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Master Mariner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

Captain

Portland, ME · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

Captain

Camden, ME · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

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Master Mariner information

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$10

$30

$88

How much do master mariner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for master mariner in the United States is $30.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities and challenges faced by a Master Mariner on a daily basis?

A Master Mariner is responsible for the overall command, safety, and navigation of a vessel, ensuring adherence to international maritime regulations and the smooth coordination of all onboard operations. Each day may involve overseeing cargo operations, monitoring weather conditions, making navigational decisions, and conducting safety drills with the crew. One of the key challenges is balancing operational efficiency with stringent safety and environmental regulations, especially when facing unpredictable sea conditions. The Master Mariner also acts as a liaison between vessel owners, port authorities, and the crew, fostering effective teamwork and communication. This dynamic role offers continuous learning opportunities and can lead to advancement into shore-based maritime leadership positions or consultancy.

What is a Master Mariner job?

A Master Mariner is the highest professional qualification for a ship's captain, allowing them to take command of commercial vessels of any size and type. Their responsibilities include navigation, crew management, cargo operations, and ensuring compliance with maritime laws and safety regulations. They are also responsible for decision-making in emergencies and overall vessel efficiency. To become a Master Mariner, one must gain extensive sea experience, complete advanced maritime training, and pass rigorous certification exams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Master Mariner position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Master Mariner, you need extensive maritime knowledge, vessel handling expertise, and a Certificate of Competency as Master (Unlimited) in accordance with international maritime regulations. Familiarity with electronic navigation systems, GMDSS communications, and ship management software is typically required. Strong leadership, decisive problem-solving, and excellent interpersonal skills help you manage crew and maintain safety on board. These capabilities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant vessel operations on international waters.

More about Master Mariner jobs
What cities are hiring for Master Mariner jobs? Cities with the most Master Mariner job openings:
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Infographic showing various Master Mariner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, and 80% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,798 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Captain

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 hours ago


Job description

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers.

American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews. Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals.

American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry. At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships. Responsibilities: * Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel. * Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards. * Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring. * Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces. * Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers. * Oversee Shipboard Engineer. * Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service. * Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records. * Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction. Work Schedule: * Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off.

Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round. * This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater. * Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team-building skills. * Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing. * Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St.

Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw.

This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion. * Ability to work around 12 hours per day. * Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch. * Ability to stand for your entire shift. * Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach. * Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs frequently. Compensation and Benefits: * Competitive daily rate. * Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match. * Access to advanced simulator-based training. * Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. Applicant Acknowledgment By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position. Equal Opportunity Employer American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits. * Job sites across the nation. This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.