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Merchant Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAPTAIN (SLUDGE BOAT) - 91516 Qualifications Qualification Requirements A valid Merchant Mariner ... Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher ...

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

CAPTAIN (SLUDGE BOAT) - 91516 Qualifications Qualification Requirements A valid Merchant Mariner ... Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher ...

CAPTAIN (SLUDGE BOAT) - 91516 Qualifications Qualification Requirements A valid Merchant Mariner ... Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher ...

Captain

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... Marine Transportation Safety, Security, and Training. Discipline crew members who fail to adhere to ... Merchant Mariner Credential Merchant Mariner Medical CPR / First Aid Certification U.S. Coast Guard ...

A Successful Delivery Captain coordinates the activities of customers and team members engaged in ... Demonstrates additional boating merchandise, such as after market electronic communication and ...

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

Mate - Meet the Captains and Mates at McAllister Towing Description/Job Summary: The Mate is ... Valid Merchant Marine Credential * Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test

A Successful Delivery Captain coordinates the activities of customers and team members engaged in ... Demonstrates additional boating merchandise, such as after market electronic communication and ...

A Successful Delivery Captain coordinates the activities of customers and team members engaged in ... Demonstrates additional boating merchandise, such as after market electronic communication and ...

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

Mate - Meet the Captains and Mates at McAllister Towing Description/Job Summary: The Mate is ... Valid Merchant Marine Credential * Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test

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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.
More about Merchant Marine Captain jobs

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 (Sludge Boat)

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

626th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

***IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees will need to take and pass the next civil service examination for Captain (Sludge Boat) and obtain a list number issued by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Please be aware that employees who do not take and pass the exam, may not be able to continue in the provisional position.***
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system's 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.
The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all facilities related to the treatment of sewage within the five boroughs of the City. This includes 14 wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities (pumping stations, combined sewer overflow retention facilities, regulators, tide gates, etc.), wastewater laboratories and harbor vessels.
Under the direction of the Supervisor of Sludge Vessel Operations, the selected candidate will take command of an assigned vessel and its crew and act as the department's representative in all matters concerning the vessel and its crew; and perform related work. Examples of typical tasks are as follows: exercise independent judgement under way; pilot the sludge vessel; assign duties and responsibilities of the licensed officers and crew; assume responsibility for the safe operation of the vessel at all times under way and in port; direct all personnel involved in mooring and unmooring vessel; proper loading and unloading operations and proper storage and care of ship's supplies and equipment; keep ship's logs and make necessary reports; inspect the ship at frequent intervals; and maintain proper upkeep of the vessel. In addition, candidate will instruct junior officers and crew in the proper performance of their duties and prepare them for assumption of higher duties; keep supervisor fully informed in all matters affecting the vessel and its crew; enforce all department and United States Coast Guard rules and regulations and those of other cognizant regulatory bodies.
CAPTAIN (SLUDGE BOAT) - 91516

Qualifications

Qualification Requirements
A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard with endorsement as a Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Inland Waters or higher license, plus a Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher radio operator license. In addition, all candidates must obtain a valid First Class Pilot's License on all waters sailed by the department's sludge boats within a year following appointment.
Note:
Within thirty days of appointment candidates must possess a valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the U.S. Transportation and Security Administration. Candidates who are engaged in an appeal or waiver process for the TWIC will not be considered for appointment until such process has been completed.
Medical/Physical Requirements:
Medical guidelines established by the U.S. Coast Guard apply to the position of Captain (Sludge Boat). Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a medical examination prior to appointment and thereafter, pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Candidates must also pass a drug screening to be appointed. Captains (Sludge Boat) are subject to random drug testing during their employment. All applicable licenses and TWIC must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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