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Ferries Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$30.22 - $34.34/hr

The Harbor Patrol Captain I is an experienced boat operator holding a USCG merchant mariner ... Handle lines for commercial passenger ferries and operate shore-boat services and charters

Maritime Maintenance

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$33.62 - $42.03/hr

Maintain and document work on other airport docks used by ferries for docking or moorage. Perform ... Maintain courteous and cooperative relationships with the ferry captains, deck hands, Coast Guard ...

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 ...

... ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating ... Seaward Services, Inc. seeks an experienced Deck Officer to assist the Captain on one of our new ...

Deckhand/Engineer

Groton, CT · On-site

$325 - $425/day

... OSVs, passenger ferries, charter vessels or similar • You are good at working as a team • ... RESPONSIBILITIES • Shall be able to stand lookout watch • Shall be able to assist Captain/Mate ...

... ferries, charter vessels or similar You are good at working as a team Focused on providing ... RESPONSIBILITIES Shall be able to stand lookout watch Shall be able to assist Captain/Mate in ...

... ferries, charter vessels or similar You are good at working as a team Focused on providing ... RESPONSIBILITIES Shall be able to stand lookout watch Shall be able to assist Captain/Mate in ...

... ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating ... Take command if captain becomes incapacitated. * Clean and maintain vessel. * Assign deck crew ...

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Ferries Captain information

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$7

$21

$48

How much do ferries captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferries captain in the United States is $21.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ferries Captain vs Boat Captain?

AspectFerries CaptainBoat Captain
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, maritime certificationsMaritime certifications, depending on boat size
Work EnvironmentFerry terminals, waterways, scheduled routesVaries from recreational to commercial boats, diverse locations
Industry UsagePublic transportation, maritime industryRecreational, private, or commercial boating

Both Ferries Captains and Boat Captains require maritime certifications and operate in water-based environments. However, Ferries Captains typically work for public transportation services on scheduled routes, while Boat Captains may work in recreational or private settings with more varied environments. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in work setting and industry focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ferries Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ferries Captain, you need a strong background in maritime navigation, vessel operations, and safety protocols, typically supported by a valid captain’s license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with radar, GPS navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency response procedures is essential. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and excellent communication skills help manage crew and ensure passenger safety. These skills are vital for safely transporting passengers, complying with regulations, and responding effectively to emergencies on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by Ferries Captains during daily operations?

Ferries Captains often encounter challenges such as navigating through changing weather conditions, managing high passenger volumes during peak times, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Coordinating with crew members and communicating with harbor authorities is essential to maintain schedules and respond to unexpected situations like mechanical issues or emergencies. Successfully balancing operational efficiency with passenger safety and comfort is a key part of the role.

What are Ferries Captains?

Ferries Captains are licensed maritime professionals responsible for the safe operation and navigation of ferry vessels that transport passengers, vehicles, and cargo across bodies of water. They oversee the crew, ensure compliance with maritime laws and safety regulations, and manage emergency situations if they arise. In addition to piloting the ferry, Captains are responsible for maintaining schedules, communicating with ports, and ensuring passengers' safety and comfort throughout the journey.
More about Ferries Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Ferries Captain jobs? Cities with the most Ferries Captain job openings:
What states have the most Ferries Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Ferries Captain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ferries Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Marine Operations - Captain Waterbus

Marine Operations - Captain Waterbus

Hornblower

Marina Del Rey, CA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
Do you share Hornblower's passion for providing amazing experiences? If you're an enthusiastic team player who thrives in an environment where communication, creativity, and cooperation are encouraged, this may just be the opportunity for you.
The Seasonal Waterbus Captain transports passengers around 8 separate docks at the Marina. Must have excellent customer service and communication skills.
About us:
City Experiences' passion is to provide amazing experiences on land and water. Our 40-year success through organic growth and acquisitions has resulted in a portfolio of over 25+ brands that welcome upwards of 30 million guests/riders annually. If you're an enthusiastic team player who thrives in an environment where communication, creativity, and cooperation are encouraged, this may just be the opportunity for you.
About you:
The right person will be adaptable, dynamic, and embody City Experiences' RESPECT Service System.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Operates company vessels legally and safely
  • Supervisor onboard crew
  • Enforces crew and passenger safety
  • Administrative duties including, computer work, and some cash handling
  • Filling out shipboard logs, and reports
  • Conduct crew training, drills, and exercises
  • Participates in USCG inspections
  • Narration / make announcements over PA system
  • Verifies the vessels have been properly secured after sailing
  • Additional job duties assigned
  • Will be required to be available for work weekends and on all major holidays.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • USCG 50-ton License or higher
  • High School or equivalence

The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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