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Merchant Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · On-site

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 ...

Central Marine Service Inc

NY · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Marine Dealership Delivery & Demo Captain Full‑Time, Legendary Marina Mikes, Ft. Myers, FL, US ... Demonstrate additional boating merchandise such as aftermarket electronics and navigational ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

lynden

Mate of Tow - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

ssc

Captain - Marine

Houston, TX · 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 ...

South Shore Marine

Delivery Captain

Huron, OH · On-site

Demonstrates additional boating merchandise i.e., aftermarket electronics and navigational ... At least two years' experience in marine industry PHYSICAL DEMANDS Use the table / checklist below ...

Savage

Captain - Marine

New York, NY · 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 ...

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Merchant Marine Captain information

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How much do merchant marine captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

Captain

Victory Casino Cruises

Cape Canaveral, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Captain- Full Time
Captain of large Casino Ship. Requires USCG license Unlimited Master. Daily 5-hour cruises. Flexible schedule. Home every night.
Will assist relocation of eligible candidate.
  • Boat captains are responsible for checking the vessel before it leaves port to ensure it is seaworthy and meets all safety regulations. They also ensure that lifeboats are in working order and that all life preservers are in place and accounted for. In some instances, they may be responsible for training passengers on proper safety procedures.
  • Boat captains oversee the navigation of the vessel. In some instances the captain may perform the actual navigation himself, while in larger vessels the role is assumed by a dedicated navigator or computer network. Regardless, the captain must be familiar with the operation of electronic navigation systems such as GPS units and have the ability to use tools such as navigational charts, compasses, sonar and radar to assume navigation in emergency situations.
  • Boat captains are responsible for overseeing the duties of the vessel's crew members. In some cases, captains conduct the hiring and firing of the crew. Captains enforce disciplinary policies and may be responsible for conducting crew performance evaluations. The captain may also be required to reassign crew members to other duties during a voyage to handle situations such as emergencies.
Education and Training
Boat captains often have a bachelor's degree in marine science or engineering from a merchant academy. Some notable merchant academies are the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Merchant Marine Academies, according to the BLS. States like Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Maine and California also have merchant academies. Simulation devices are used in academies to acclimate trainees to panel instruments and operational procedures. Training is mostly on the job. Boat captains usually have to work their way up through the ranks of third, second and first mate before attaining captain status. This can take anywhere from three to four years or more. All boat captains must be licensed and certified through the U.S. Coast Guard.
Victory Casino Cruises has a No Visible Tattoo Policy.
For this position you must be cleared of all hand, face amp; neck tattoos.
You will be required to obtain a TWIC and MMC. Acceptable documents to obtain badging are Passport OR Government issued photo ID and certified copy of Birth Certificate. Supporting documents would be needed for a name change.

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