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Merchant Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seaport Museum New York

Relief Captain

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$32/hr

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.

City of New York

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 ...

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

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

City of New York

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

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

Island Marine Center

Delivery Captain

Naples, FL · On-site

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

Island Marine Center

Delivery Captain

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

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

Island Marine Center

Delivery Captain

Westbrook, CT · On-site

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 ...

Island Marine Center

Delivery Captain

Wakefield, RI · On-site

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 ...

Island Marine Center

Delivery Captain

Norwalk, CT

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 ...

McAllister Towing

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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All JobsMerchant Marine Captain Jobs

Merchant Marine Captain information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do merchant marine captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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.

Can a merchant seaman make over $100,000?

Merchant Marine Captains can earn over $100,000 annually, especially with experience, certifications, and working on large or specialized vessels. Salaries vary based on the type of ship, route, and employer, with senior captains and those working in offshore or international shipping often earning higher wages.

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.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Merchant Marine Captain can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience and certifications such as a U.S. Coast Guard license. These roles often involve long periods at sea, requiring strong navigation, leadership, and safety skills, but typically do not require a college degree.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Merchant Marine Captains can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially when commanding large vessels or working on specialized routes. High earnings often depend on experience, certifications, and the type of vessel operated, with some captains working extended periods at sea under demanding schedules.

How much do merchant ship captains make?

Merchant Marine Captains typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and the shipping company. Salaries can increase with seniority, certifications, and the complexity of the ships they command.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Merchant Marine Captain position, and why are they important?

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 is a Merchant Marine Captain job?

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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Marine Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Marine Captain jobs are:
Merchant Marine Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
US Coast Guard Licensed Captain/Mate

US Coast Guard Licensed Captain/Mate

Morrison Energy

Houma, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Primary Function:


The Vessel Captain/Mate position is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel in accordance with United States Coast Guard regulations and requirements of law. This position is also responsible for the safety of the crew and the in-service, protection of the environment and in-service care and maintenance of the vessel.


Responsibilities:


  • Navigates the vessel and is responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew.
  • Supervises vessel crew members in safety procedures.
  • Monitor and inspect engine room and all associated machinery to ensure proper servicing and maintenance procedures are being conducted by the engineering crew.
  • As required, supervises emergency drills as prescribed by the US Coast Guard at intervals set by management.
  • Assist with US Coast Guard inspections when required.
  • Ensures that all US Coast Guard and FCC inspections are conducted as required.
  • Ensures that all US Coast Guard and FCC certifications are valid for the vessel's operation.
  • Maintains accurate daily vessel logs and prepares such reports and documents as required by law and US Coast Guard District policy.
  • Understand, follow, and enforce the safety, health, and environmental rules and safe working practices.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with crew members, customers, regulatory agencies and all others contracted during the course of work.
  • Performs additional related duties as assigned by the Director of Offshore Marine Assets.
  • Regular and reliable attendance and work performance required.
  • Communicate effectively with company inter-departments (i.e., supply chain, personnel coordinators, HR, training, and maintenance) as required to establish operational efficiencies.


Prerequisites:


  • Must hold a valid US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document and applicable STCW Training that meets vessel manning requirements.
  • Extensive knowledge of US Coast Guard regulations.
  • Basic understanding of occupational health and safety rules and working practices.
  • Ability to effectively supervise vessel crew.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both in oral and written forms.
  • Must have medical clearance that meets US Coast Guard requirements for the position.


Education:


  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Preferred education and/or training at an accredited maritime institute


Experience:


  • Actual sea time as required for the issuance of US Coast Merchant Mariners Document and/or certifications.
  • A minimum of (5) years working as a US Coast Guard licensed Captain/Mate.

Apply