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Merchant Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ssc

Marine Captain

Savannah, GA · On-site

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements capable of foreign voyages. Note: Submit a copy of your current MMC with your online application. * USCG Merchant Mariner ...

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

Captain- Full Time Captain of large Casino Ship. Requires USCG license Unlimited Master . Daily 5 ... Merchant Marine Academies, according to the BLS. States like Massachusetts, Michigan, New York ...

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

Captain- Full Time Captain of large Casino Ship. Requires USCG license Unlimited Master . Daily 5 ... Merchant Marine Academies, according to the BLS. States like Massachusetts, Michigan, New York ...

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL · On-site

$26/hr

Overview CAPTAIN - 100 Ton (MOB-2026-24393): Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL

Overview CAPTAIN - 100 Ton (MOB-2026-24393): Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

Boats and Fun

Be Seen First

Full-Time & Part-Time USCG Captain / Marine Operations Team Member

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Full-Time & Part-Time USCG Licensed Captain / Marine Operations Team Member Boats and Fun - North ... Stock merchandise * Help keep the marina, boats, docks and store clean and organized * Load ...

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

Ingleside, TX · On-site

The Boat Captain will operate a variety of marine vessels in support of the construction or repair ... Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). * Experience: Six(6) months of experience operating tug ...

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

North Charleston, SC · On-site

The Boat Captain will operate a variety of marine vessels in support of the construction or repair ... Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). * Experience: Six(6) months of experience operating tug ...

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

Channelview, TX · On-site

The Boat Captain will operate a variety of marine vessels in support of the construction or repair ... Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). * Experience: Six(6) months of experience operating tug ...

lynden

Mate of Tow - Alaska

Anchorage, AK

Bering Marine is seeking a Captain - Mate of Tow. As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel ... Radar Endorsement * Merchant Marine Document * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel ...

ssc

Captain - Marine

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Masters must receive permission from the Marine Superintendent to be gone for over 12 hours from ... USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements: * * Must hold the ...

lynden

Mate of Tow - Alaska

Anchorage, AK

Bering Marine is seeking a Captain - Mate of Tow. As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel ... Radar Endorsement * Merchant Marine Document * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel ...

State of Alaska

Boat Officer 2 (12-1921)

Juneau, AK · On-site

$32.90/hr

A Merchant Marine Engineering Officer license. U.S. Coast Guard Master's License: A Merchant Marine ... RELIEF CAPTAIN: The person recognized by the master as second-in-command. Authority on the vessel ...

State of Alaska

Boat Officer 2 (12-1921)

Juneau, AK · On-site

$32.90/hr

A Merchant Marine Engineering Officer license. U.S. Coast Guard Master's License: A Merchant Marine ... RELIEF CAPTAIN: The person recognized by the master as second-in-command. Authority on the vessel ...

Beyel Brothers

Tugboat Captain

Merritt Island, FL · On-site

... marine transport. Our mission is to lead with humility, drive, and social smarts, attracting ... Merchant Mariner 200 Ton Master upon Oceans with a Master of Towing Endorsement. * Transportation ...

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How much do merchant marine captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchant marine captain?

A Merchant Marine Captain is responsible for commanding and navigating commercial vessels that transport cargo and passengers over water. They oversee crew operations, ensure compliance with maritime laws, and manage ship safety and maintenance. Captains must hold a U.S. Coast Guard license and have extensive experience at sea. Their role is critical in global trade, ensuring goods and personnel move safely and efficiently across waterways.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a merchant marine captain?

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Captain, you need deep expertise in maritime navigation, ship handling, and crew management, typically supported by a degree from a maritime academy and a U.S. Coast Guard Master Mariner license. Familiarity with electronic chart systems, marine communication devices, and safety management systems is critical for operating modern vessels safely and efficiently. Strong leadership, decision-making, and crisis management skills set outstanding captains apart in challenging maritime conditions. These competencies ensure safe voyages, regulatory compliance, and the effective coordination of crew and operations at sea.

What are typical career progression opportunities for a merchant marine captain?

Many Merchant Marine Captains begin their careers as deck officers and progress through the ranks with additional sea time, training, and certifications. After serving as captain, some professionals advance to fleet management, shore-based vessel operations, maritime safety roles, or training new officers at maritime academies. Leadership experience as a captain opens doors to higher-level management positions within shipping companies, port authorities, or government agencies. Career development often includes ongoing education and keeping up-to-date with evolving maritime regulations and technology.

How much does a Merchant Marine captain make?

A Merchant Marine captain typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel type, and the size of the fleet. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and crew management on commercial ships, often working long hours and requiring certifications such as a U.S. Coast Guard license.

Is it hard to become a captain in the merchant marine?

Becoming a merchant marine captain requires extensive training, including obtaining a merchant mariner credential, gaining years of sea service, and passing exams. The process is rigorous and involves developing strong navigation, leadership, and safety skills, often over several years.

What does a merchant marine captain do?

A merchant marine captain is responsible for the safe operation and navigation of cargo ships, tankers, or passenger vessels. They oversee crew, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and manage the vessel's daily operations, often requiring certifications such as a U.S. Coast Guard license. The role involves extensive knowledge of maritime laws, navigation, and ship management.
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Merchant Marine Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Marine Captain

ssc

Savannah, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Benefits you receive when working with Savage:

  • Travel assistance to & from vessel paid for by employer
  • A culture that appreciates team members
  • Profit Sharing
  • Excellent Benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match
  • Opportunity for growth 
  • A commitment to helping our team members do things that they never dreamed possible

Job Summary: 

This position is based out of Tampa, FL.
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 may affect the interests of the Company. 

Responsibilities / Job Duties:   

  • Oversee crew to ensure safe, reliable, environmentally conscious, and efficient operations
  • Steer and operate vessel utilizing radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses
  • Dock and undock vessel maneuvering through narrow spaces
  • Communicate among crew members during highly stressful situations
  • Performance of inspection of all equipment and systems necessary for safe, operations
  • The Master will supervise each department on board the vessel and be responsible for the economic maintenance and operation of the vessel, including authorization of overtime expenditures for all departments, cargo and ballasting operations oversight and tracking of vessel certificates.
  • The Master is to notify the Company of any cases affecting the seaworthiness of the vessel, safety of the vessel and crew, quality of the environment as affected by the vessel, security of the vessel, and quality of service provided to the Customer.
  • The Master is ultimately responsible for following all regulations and procedures under which the vessel trades, including but not limited to: Flag State, Class, Port State, the Company HSSEQ Management System
  • The Master is considered an extension of the Company and an integral member of the management team.  As such, he or she is responsible for the training and evaluation of the crew under his or her leadership.  Besides the responsibilities listed above, the Master is responsible for cost management, vessel maintenance, upkeep, and cleanliness, safety awareness and indoctrination, effective communication and harmony on the ship, and appearance and sobriety.
  • The Master is responsible for ensuring that all members of the crew are on board the vessel during regular or assigned working hours, whether the ship is in port or at sea. 
  • Responsibilities are not all inclusive and may change based on the needs of the company.

Requirements/Qualifications: 

  • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements capable of foreign voyages.
    Note: Submit a copy of your current MMC with your online application.
  • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements:
    • Must hold the following International STCW Endorsements:
    • OICNW (STCW II/1 or II/2, II/3), Proficiency in the use of survival craft (PSC) (STCW VI/2), GMDSS (STCW IV/2) is preferred, Adv Fire Fighting (STCW VI/3), First Aid and Medical Care (STCW VI/4), Vessel Security Officer (STCW VI/5).
  • Must hold the following National Endorsements:
    • Master 1,600 GRT upon Oceans or higher
    • Master Towing upon Oceans
    • Tankerman PIC (Barge) Dangerous Liquid Cargoes
  • Must hold a valid USCG/STCW medical certificate.
  • Must hold a valid TWIC card and U.S. Passport

Education/Experience:

  • Maritime Academy graduate preferred
  • Five years of experience as chemical tanker Master or other tank vessel experience preferred
  • ABS Nautical Systems NS5 experience preferred
  • Experience with Caustic Soda is preferred

Physical Requirements:

  • Able to work in confined spaces, carrying heavy tools, climbing and descending ladders, consistently asked to lift and carry loads at least 40 pounds
  • Must have current USCG STCW Medical Certificate, renewed every 2 years

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