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Ferry Captain Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hornblower

Captain

Sacramento, CA · On-site

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private ... The captain directs the crew on a day-to-day basis and must meet and maintain the minimum ...

Hornblower

Captain - Alcatraz Cruises

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$61.83/hr

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private ... The Captain operates a United States Coast Guard (USCG) inspected small passenger vessel under ...

Flagshipsd

Ferry Boat Captain

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

The Captain is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations while delivering exceptional guest service in a fast-paced hospitality environment. This role requires a positive attitude ...

Posted today

Flagshipsd

San Diego Ferry Boat Captain

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Captain is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations while delivering exceptional guest service in a fast-paced hospitality environment. This role requires a positive attitude ...

New

Blue & Gold Fleet

Dispatcher

Alameda, CA · On-site

Company Description Bay Area's premier provider of ferry and water excursions is looking for a ... Notify passengers of schedule changes via Bay Alerts and NextBus messaging. * Assist captains and ...

Moor+South PIER Management Co. LP

Dispatcher

Alameda, CA · On-site

$29/hr

Company Description Bay Area's premier provider of ferry and water excursions is looking for a ... Notify passengers of schedule changes via Bay Alerts and NextBus messaging. * Assist captains and ...

Hornblower

Senior Deckhand

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$29 - $33/hr

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private ... captain becomes incapacitated • Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers as ...

Hornblower

Senior Deckhand

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$28/hr

City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private ... captain becomes incapacitated • Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers as ...

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How much do ferry captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry captain in California is $36.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $40.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ferry captain?

A Ferry Captain is responsible for operating and navigating a ferry to transport passengers, vehicles, or cargo across bodies of water safely. They manage the vessel's crew, oversee maintenance, and ensure compliance with maritime regulations. Their duties also include monitoring weather conditions, plotting secure routes, and responding to emergencies. Strong leadership, navigational expertise, and safety awareness are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ferry captain?

To thrive as a Ferry Captain, you need comprehensive maritime navigation skills, vessel handling experience, and typically a valid captain’s license such as a USCG Master or Mate License. Familiarity with radar, GPS, electronic chart systems, and maritime communication devices is essential, along with knowledge of safety protocols and regulatory compliance. Leadership, clear communication, and strong decision-making skills are vital for managing crews and ensuring passenger safety under varying conditions. These capabilities are critical for safely transporting passengers and vehicles while maintaining efficient operations and compliance with maritime regulations.

What are the typical work schedules and team structures for ferry captains?

Ferry Captains often work in shifts that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the ferry route and company schedule. They typically lead a team that includes deckhands, engineers, and customer service staff, ensuring smooth vessel operations and passenger experience. Coordination with shore-side personnel, port authorities, and emergency services is also a regular part of the job. This collaborative environment requires strong leadership and adaptability to handle changing schedules and unexpected challenges on the water.

How do I become a ferry captain?

To become a ferry captain, you typically need to obtain a merchant mariner credential with a master license, which requires sea service experience, passing written exams, and completing safety training. Candidates often start as deckhands or mates, gaining experience on vessels, and must meet age and health requirements. Certification standards vary by region but generally include a combination of sea time, training, and licensing from maritime authorities.

How do you become a ferry captain?

To become a ferry captain, you typically need to obtain a merchant mariner credential with a master license, which requires relevant sea service experience, passing written exams, and completing approved training. Candidates often start as deckhands or mates, gaining experience on vessels, and must meet age, health, and background check requirements. Certification standards vary by region but generally include demonstrating navigation, safety, and vessel operation skills.

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

The most popular types of Ferry Captain jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Ferry Captain jobs in California?

For Ferry Captain jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ferry Captain jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Ferry Captain jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Ferry Captain jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ferry Captain job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Ferry Captain jobs in CA?

For Ferry Captain jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Ferry Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ferry Captain job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,609 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Captain

Hornblower

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 15 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:
The captain is responsible for the saft operation, maintenance, and overall condition of the vessel and the safety of all aboard. The captain is the supervisor of the vessel crew. The captain directs the crew on a day-to-day basis and must meet and maintain the minimum qualification requirements of the company and all regulatory agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • The captain is the company's onboard manager and representative.
  • Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and navigation, in all weather conditions, of the vessel as well as the safety of all people on board.
  • Ensure that the vessel is properly manned in accordance with the vessel's COI and that accurate passenger counts are conducted and recorded.
  • Responsible for the training of the vessel crew and adherence to all applicable United States Coast Guard, Federal and State laws, including Company policies and procedures. Evaluate the capabilities and performance of each crew member, and keep the Operations Manager informed.
  • Responsible to immediately reporting any accident, incident, or unusual occurrence, by the quickest available means, to the appropriate manager. The captain must also ensure that the company's Accident/Incident/Unusual Occurrence forms and/or USCG Form 2692is filled out in an accurate, clear, concise, complete, and timely manner.
  • Responsible for the appearance and cleanliness of the vessel.
  • Performing specified preventative maintenance, including but not limited to gangways, diesel, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray), fire suppression, communications, and navigation.
  • Ensure periodic engine room inspections are conducted while underway.
  • Document and report maintenance activities and deficiencies in the company's Wheel-House Software.
  • Must be conversant with the vessels Security Plan to ensure that security drills are conducted and recorded as required by company policy and logged in a timely manner.
  • Conduct Safety Drills as required by USCG regulations and as may be outlined by Company Policy.
  • Responsible for conducting daily job briefings at the beginning and end of the shift. The completion of the job briefing must be acknowledged and logged in the vessel's logbook.
  • Responsible for the conduct of all crew to ensure that all company policies are being adhered to.
  • Ensure adherence to Coast Guard rules and regulations, and other federal and local rules and regulations.
  • Ensure strict compliance with Emergency Response Plan.
  • Additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • Minimum 100-TON Master Inland or above License.
  • TWIC, First Aid/CPR.
  • Marine Radio Operator Permit.
  • Detail Oriented / situational awareness.
  • Strong Radar / Navigation skills.
  • Strong focus on safety and teamwork.
  • Strong customer service, organization, and interpersonal skills.
  • Maintain a high level of organization, detailed oriented and meet deadlines.
  • Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
  • Listen effectively, assess the situation, determine relevant issues, & suggest solutions.
  • Have a working knowledge of computer skills, including but not limited to proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.
  • Must be able to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to coworkers and guests.
  • Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
  • Will be required to be available for work nights, weekends and on all major holidays.

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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