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Entry Level Maritime Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand ...

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA

$16.90/hr

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand ...

OXNARD HARBOR DISTRICT

Harbormaster I

Oxnard, CA

MARITIME OPERATIONS BARGAINING UNIT: SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU) Local 721 POSITION DESCRIPTION: An entry-level Harbormaster I play a crucial role in assisting with the management ...

Teleo

Logistics & Inventory Associate

Palo Alto, CA

$28 - $40/hr

... maritime vessels. This is a unique opportunity to join a team building technology with real-world ... or inventory management (entry-level candidates welcome) * Strong attention to detail and ...

BAE Systems

Superintendent I

San Diego, CA · On-site

BAE Systems is seeking an entry level Ship Superintendent I. In this position, you will report onsite to support the Maritime Solutions Business at our San Diego, CA facility. As a Ship ...

Teleo

Logistics & Inventory Associate

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

... maritime vessels. This is a unique opportunity to join a team building technology with real-world ... or inventory management (entry-level candidates welcome) * Strong attention to detail and ...

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Entry Level Maritime information

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How much do entry level maritime jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level maritime in California is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level maritime?

An entry-level maritime job refers to positions in the maritime industry that require little to no prior experience. These jobs often include roles such as deckhands, wipers, or ordinary seamen, where employees assist with vessel operations, maintenance, and safety procedures. Workers typically undergo on-the-job training and may need to obtain certifications like a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Entry-level positions are a great way to gain experience and advance in the maritime field.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an entry level maritime?

In an Entry Level Maritime role, daily responsibilities usually include assisting with vessel maintenance, supporting cargo operations, standing watch, and following safety protocols. You may also help with routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and learning to operate basic equipment under supervision. Most new hires work closely with experienced crew members, providing valuable opportunities to learn industry practices and gain hands-on experience. This hands-on environment fosters growth and prepares individuals for more advanced roles in the maritime field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level maritime position?

To thrive as an Entry Level Maritime professional, you need basic seamanship skills, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety equipment, basic navigation tools, and certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) are commonly required. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability are valuable soft skills for working effectively onboard. These abilities are essential for ensuring safety, efficient operations, and the ability to handle the dynamic challenges of maritime environments.

Can you become an entry level maritime with no experience?

Entry level maritime positions often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training. However, candidates usually need a basic understanding of safety procedures, and obtaining certifications such as STCW or CPR can improve job prospects. Physical fitness and the ability to work in a team environment are also important.

How to start a career in entry level maritime?

To start a career in entry-level maritime roles, obtain relevant certifications such as STCW and a maritime safety training course, and gain basic knowledge of navigation, safety procedures, and ship operations. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve on-the-job training or apprenticeships aboard ships or at maritime training centers.

What are entry-level maritime jobs?

Entry-level maritime jobs include positions such as deckhands, able seamen, and entry-level marine technicians. These roles typically require basic safety training, certifications like STCW, and involve tasks such as maintenance, cargo handling, and assisting with vessel operations in a maritime environment.

What is the easiest job to start at with no experience in the entry level maritime industry?

Entry-level maritime jobs such as deckhand or entry-level steward are often the easiest to start with no prior experience. These roles typically require basic physical fitness, the ability to follow safety protocols, and may offer on-the-job training, making them accessible for newcomers to the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Maritime jobs in California?

The most popular types of Maritime jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Maritime jobs in California?

For Entry Level Maritime jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Maritime jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Maritime jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Maritime jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Maritime job openings:

Entry Level Maritime jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Maritime job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,766 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Maritime Training Program (Deckhand, Mate, Captain)

Curtin Maritime

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Have you been looking for a way to get into the Maritime Industry?

Paid training for your career development!


This is your opportunity to join the exciting maritime industry where your hard work will pay off! 

Work 6 months a year while earning up to $80,000k+ once you reach Deckhand/Mate/Captain Level! As your experience grows, so does your pay. Many of our crew members make well over $100k each year (while working only part of the year).

If interested, keep reading and APPLY...

We are looking for highly motivated individuals to join our Maritime (Labor) Training Program. This program allows employees to move through three levels of training to advance into Deckhand/Mate/Captain.

Curtin Maritime is looking to identify and train our next generation of Mariners!  Through our training program, candidates start through Curtin Maritime's Labor Training program gaining valuable experience and building a foundation for growth.  Upon completion of our Labor Program, candidates will begin working under key mentors and working on our fleet, tugs, cranes, barges as they pursue paid training needed to become a skilled level Deckhand, Mate, Captain!

The objective of the Training Program is to promote skilled workers who are self-motivated and willing to pass the “Curtin Heart Check.” It will be important to prove your willingness to learn and work hard to advance through the training program. As you begin to demonstrate your awareness and understanding of entry-level labor concepts, you will advance through the program.

Who we are:

Curtin Maritime is an industry disruptor creating great changes by our core values of; efficiency, innovation and integrity.  We are a solid company experiencing rapid growth that is expanding while still maintaining our company values.  We are known as an industry leader with high quality and well-maintained tugs, barges, and cranes.  Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the great opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing locations on earth.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for individuals that want to quickly advance through hard work, dedication, and a positive mental attitude. Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees.  Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can pursue a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside). Curtin Maritime pays for all professional development and training for its employees, and encourages growth and upward movement for all crew.  We’re looking to hire the best and the brightest talent, folks that are looking for long term career, not a job.

Where you will work:

You will start off working in Long Beach, CA.  Travel is also REQUIRED for this program.  While our headquarters are in the Port of Long Beach, we do work all over the country, and the world.  There may be times where short notice travel to jobsites will be needed. 

When you will work:

At the beginning of your Career Journey the Training Program schedule is Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  There may be times where overtime is needed (after hours, weekends, holidays).  

Full Disclosure:

The work is hard, the hours are long. The travel (while exciting at first) can be draining. A career at Curtin Maritime will be the most demanding thing you've ever done. It will also be the most rewarding and fulfilling.

If you’re ready to take on this career opportunity and become the next generation of Mariners, APPLY TODAY!


WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.


Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.