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Merchant Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Captain - Marine

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Masters must receive permission from the Marine Superintendent to be gone for over 12 hours from ... USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements capable of foreign voyages.

Assistant Captain - Marine

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

The Assistant Captain utilizes navigational equipment, weather forecasts and tide/current ... USCG Merchant Mariner Credential as Master of 1600 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) for Oceans with ...

Assistant Captain - Marine

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

The Assistant Captain utilizes navigational equipment, weather forecasts and tide/current ... USCG Merchant Mariner Credential as Master of 1600 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) for Oceans with ...

... Captain and Mate. * Assist in vessel loading and unloading. * May perform galley functions such as ... Merchant Marine Document, AB Seaman preferred * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel ...

... Captain and Mate. * Assist in vessel loading and unloading. * May perform galley functions such as ... Merchant Marine Document, AB Seaman preferred * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel ...

... Captain and Mate. * Assist in vessel loading and unloading. * May perform galley functions such as ... Merchant Marine Document, AB Seaman preferred * Ideal candidate brings proven Alaska vessel ...

Current Merchant Mariners Credential, Master of Inland Vessels with minimum 100 Gross Tons and Aux ... Sail endorsement. * Marine Radio Operators Permit. * CPR, AED, and First Aid certified.

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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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What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Merchant Marine Captain job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine Captain jobs?

The most popular types of Merchant Marine Captain jobs are:

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 - Marine

Savage Services

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Posted Monday, August 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Grow Your Career with Savage!

Savage is a global provider of supply chain infrastructure and logistics solutions with more than 200 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Since we were founded in 1946, we’ve grown from a small family business to an international company with more than 4,000 team members. We’re proud to be recognized as a Military Friendly Employer and a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation. Savage is a place where your growth is supported and your impact matters. Join us and do things you never dreamed possible. W e welcome Military Veterans and Reservists to join our team and build a rewarding career with us. Military experience equivalency may substitute for some requirements.

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
  • 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. At no time in port should the officers of an entire department be away from the vessel. Masters must receive permission from the Marine Superintendent to be gone for over 12 hours from the vessel while in port.
  • 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 1,00 GRT upon Oceans or higher
    • Master Towing upon Oceans
    • Tankerman PIC (Barge) Dangerous Liquid Cargoes preferred
  • Must hold a valid USCG/STCW medical certificate.
  • Must hold a valid TWIC card and U.S. Passport
Education/Experience:

Enter bullet format of specific education and experience that is required.

  • Five years of experience as petroleum ATB Master or other tank vessel experience preferred
  • ABS Nautical Systems NS5 experience 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

#IND1

Additional Information:
  • A complete job description is available upon request
  • Savage is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace

Team members may be eligible for a benefits package that is dependent on hours worked and position classification. This package may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life, AD&D, and disability insurance; supplemental coverage options; health savings and flexible spending accounts; paid time off; profit sharing; and a 401(k) plan with company match. Benefits are subject to change. For more information visit https://savageco.com/careers/benefits-information/

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