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Master Captain Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Hosco

Chief Officer - Master

Miami, FL · On-site

Chief Officer - Master Chief Officer Master License Position Summary ... Reporting to the Captain and Staff Captain, The Chief Officer shall enforce compliance with all ...

Solvere Technical Group LLC

Craft Master

Panama City, FL · On-site

$46 - $61.25/hr

Solvere Technical Group is seeking a Craft Master's to provide Support Services for maintenance ... Ton Captains Licenses and CPR certifications shall be current and available for Government ...

Solvere Technical Group LLC

Craft Master

Panama City, FL

$46 - $61.25/hr

Solvere Technical Group is seeking a Craft Master's to provide Support Services for maintenance ... Ton Captains Licenses and CPR certifications shall be current and available for Government ...

Savage Services

Captain - Marine

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

The Master has overriding authority and control on board his/her vessel at all times either at sea or in port. He/she is directly responsible for all actions and procedures occurring on board that ...

ssc

Captain - Marine

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

The Master has overriding authority and control on board his/her vessel at all times either at sea or in port. He/she is directly responsible for all actions and procedures occurring on board that ...

Savage

Captain - Marine

Tampa, FL · On-site

The Master has overriding authority and control on board his/her vessel at all times either at sea or in port. He/she is directly responsible for all actions and procedures occurring on board that ...

Maple

Maple & Ash Miami Captain

Miami, FL · On-site

A master of details * Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to multitask * Above average wine knowledge with intent to become certified within one year of employment * Extensive food ...

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All JobsMaster Captain JobsMaster Captain Jobs in Florida

Master Captain information

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How much do master captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for master captain in Florida is $27.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $30.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a master captain?

Master Captains, also known as Masters or Ship Masters, are licensed mariners who are legally responsible for the operation and safety of commercial vessels. They oversee all aspects of a ship's navigation, crew management, and compliance with maritime laws. Master Captains ensure safe passage, cargo handling, and proper maintenance of the vessel. They typically hold a Master’s license, such as the USCG Master 100 Ton License, which allows them to command vessels up to a certain size and type. Their expertise and leadership are critical for successful and safe maritime operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a master captain?

To thrive as a Master Captain, you need advanced maritime knowledge, navigation expertise, and a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain's License with relevant sea-time experience. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, GPS, electronic chart display systems (ECDIS), and marine communication tools is essential. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills help ensure safety and effective crew management. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safely operating vessels, complying with maritime regulations, and responding efficiently to emergencies at sea.

What challenges does a master captain face when managing a crew on long voyages?

Master Captains often encounter challenges such as maintaining crew morale, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and managing fatigue during extended periods at sea. Effective communication and leadership are essential to address cultural differences, resolve conflicts, and keep the team focused on operational goals. Additionally, Master Captains must be adept at adapting to changing weather and maritime conditions, all while coordinating with shore-based management and regulatory authorities.

What is the difference between Master Captain vs Chief Mate?

CriteriaMaster CaptainChief Mate
Required CredentialsSTCW Master License, extensive maritime trainingSTCW Officer License, maritime training, and experience
Work EnvironmentOversees entire vessel operations, responsible for safety and navigationAssists the Master Captain, manages deck crew, and navigates
Employer & Industry UsageCommercial shipping, cruise lines, private yachtsCommercial ships, cruise ships, yachts

The Master Captain holds the highest authority onboard, responsible for the entire vessel and crew. The Chief Mate supports the Master Captain, focusing on deck operations and safety. Both roles require maritime certifications, but the Master Captain's credentials and responsibilities are more extensive, making it a higher-ranking position in the ship's hierarchy.

How long does it take to become a master captain?

Becoming a master captain typically requires several years of experience, usually around 3 to 5 years, along with obtaining necessary certifications such as a Master Mariner license. Candidates must accumulate sea time, pass exams, and demonstrate leadership and navigation skills in a maritime environment.

How much do master captains make?

Master captains, also known as ship captains or vessel masters, typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the type of vessel, experience, and certification level. Salaries can be higher for captains of large commercial ships or specialized vessels, and they often work long hours and are responsible for safety and navigation.

What are popular job titles related to Master Captain jobs in Florida?

For Master Captain jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Master Captain jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Master Captain jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Master Captain jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Master Captain job openings:

Master Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Captain job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,009 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Small Boat Captain - Part Time

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Key West, FL • On-site

$22.13 - $40.40/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate and navigate small vessels safely, ensuring compliance with NOAA small boat policies and procedures.

  • Assist with vessel loading, safety briefings, maintenance, repairs, and documentation of vessel activities.

  • Coordinate vessel operations, including planning, communication with shore-side contacts, and supporting emergency responses.

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking experienced and well-qualified part-time / on-call small boat Captains to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) in Key West and Key Largo, FL.
Designated on November 16, 1990, FKNMS protects 3,800 square miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami westward to encompass the Dry Tortugas, excluding Dry Tortugas National Park. Within the boundaries of the sanctuary lie spectacular, unique, and nationally significant marine resources including North America's only coral barrier reef, extensive seagrass beds, mangrove-fringed islands, shipwrecks and other archeological treasures and more than 6,000 species of marine life.
FKNMS operates a fleet of small boats and uses these vessels to support science, resource management, and stewardship of the resources within the Sanctuary. Operations performed by part-time/on-call Captains will include working dives in support of NOAA's Mission: Iconic Reefs, a large-scale coral restoration effort in the Florida Keys. Restoration efforts include outplanting of corals grown in a nursery and site preparation at Carysfort Reef, Horseshoe Reef, Cheeca Rocks, Newfound Harbor, Eastern Dry Rocks, Sombrero Reef and Looe Key Reef. These sites represent the iconic diversity and productivity of Florida Keys coral reefs, spanning the geographic extent of the region, a variety of habitats, and a range of human uses. They also have a history of restoration success or have characteristics that indicate restoration is likely to succeed.
Tasks
  • Tow small vessels to and from yard to the dock and back (Bahia Honda or Marathon in Lower Keys or to Tavernier/Islamorada in Upper Keys) on days of mission.
  • Assist with vessel equipment loading and safety brief approximately 1 hour before driving away from dock. Be present for vessel equipment unloading and de-brief with crew and marine technician, ensure that all safety procedures are understood and adhered to while underway.
  • Maintain qualifications for serving as an Operator-in-Charge according to the NOAA small boat manual; ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessels, as indicated by the NOAA small vessel policy guidelines, vessel operation manual, and vessel's standing orders.
  • Ensure the efficient contribution of the vessel and its crew to the accomplishment of the vessel's mission.
  • Verify cruise and float plans and communicate with the shore-side point of contact frequently when underway.
  • Operate deck equipment including lifting equipment on small boats.
  • Document all vessel-related activities in the ship's Log.
  • Ready and available for emergency responses.
  • Work with other crew members and engineers to develop maintenance procedures, engineering work packages, major overhauls and configuration management.
  • Conduct maintenance and repairs and assist in training and evaluating other crew members.
  • Ensure FKNMS small boats are operated and maintained in compliance with NOAA Small Boat Program requirements.
  • Help coordinate and support emergent repairs to FKNMS small boat assets if and when required.
  • Coordinate with NMS sites and partners to develop cruise plans for vessels of opportunity including ships, ROVs, and manned submersibles.
  • Ensure current training for vessel operator and crewmembers; and keep record of credentials and qualifications.
  • Comply with safety stand-downs per NOAA procedures.
  • Review of all Project Instructions to an approving authority including Cruise Plans, and Float Plans, as directed.
  • Assist FKNMS in physical facilities assessments and planning as it relates to vessel operations.
  • Help schedule vessel maintenance and dry dock periods per NOAA procedures.
  • Review, revise, and implement pertinent policies and regulations related to NOAA small boats and applicable facilities.
  • Help coordinate and track training and resulting credentials of vessel operators, crew members, FKNMS staff members.
  • Assist FKNMS in maritime facilities assessments and planning.

Requirements
  • Education/Experience: Requires a current 100-Gross Ton USCG Master License with at least 2 years of experience working on NOAA vessels, similar research vessels or law enforcement vessels embarked with scientific personnel.
  • Must have experience directing and overseeing complex at-sea operations; experience in operating overhead load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and davits; operate dive compressor and fill SCUBA tanks; oversee scientific equipment and diver deployment.
  • Familiar with boat hull, electrical and mechanical routine ship maintenance and repairs. Have basic mechanical knowledge of boats for problem-solving in the field. Know when to call shore support and/or emergency services.
  • Must be able qualify/pass the NOAA component course certification prior to deployment.
  • Able to lift and carry equipment and gear up to seventy-five (75) pounds to assist in mobilization.
  • Have familiarity with dive operations in waters around the Florida Keys, preferably as demonstrated through serving as a Captain on a dive boat or serving as a working diver.
  • Understand principles outlined in the NOAA small boat manual, such as requirements for drift dives and crew support for different types of operations.

Highly desired skills and experience
  • Current Frist Aid, CPR and AED certifications.

AAP/EEO Statement CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$22.13-$40.40/hour

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