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Merchant Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crofton

Boat Captain - 100 Ton with Towing

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... marine construction and crane rental & rigging. We execute our projects with safety and integrity ... Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) that includes 100 Ton Master or Mate of Towing * TWIC Card

lynden

AB Seaman - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · On-site

... 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 ...

Lynden Incorporated

AB Seaman - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · On-site

... 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 ...

lynden

AB Seaman - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · On-site

... 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 ...

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

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

$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 ...

Hornblower

Captain - Statue Cruises

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$56.92/hr

Merchant Mariner Credential * Merchant Mariner Medical * CPR / First Aid Certification * U.S. Coast ... FCC Marine Radio Telephony. * Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) Card.

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Merchant Marine Captain information

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How much do merchant marine captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 does a Merchant Marine Captain do?

A Merchant Marine Captain is responsible for the safe operation and navigation of cargo or passenger ships. They oversee crew, ensure compliance with maritime regulations, and make critical decisions during voyages, often requiring certifications such as a U.S. Coast Guard license. The role involves working long hours at sea and managing ship logistics and safety procedures.

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 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 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.

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 certifications. Salaries can vary based on the size of the ship, the employer, and the region, with additional compensation often including benefits and overtime pay.
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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 96% Full Time, 3% 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.

Boat Captain - 100 Ton with Towing

Crofton

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

Crofton offers industry leading solutions above and below the waterline, combining comprehensive expertise in all aspects of commercial diving, marine construction and crane rental & rigging. We execute our projects with safety and integrity. Crofton is a growing company with a highly collaborative and dynamic work environment. Our team members work vigorously to meet our customers’ needs. No two days are the same! Crofton is seeking a Boat Captain 100 Ton with a towing endorsement to join our construction division team.

This position is full-time, frequently requires long hours, weekend work and some out-of-area and overnight travel. Boat Captains determine if it is unsafe for the vessel to proceed, whether the operation endangers the vessel or the crew, and has the authority to stop the vessel if unsafe conditions exist. If you have a passion for boating, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage a vessel effectively, join our team and embark on exciting adventures on the water!

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Boat Captain serves as the commander of the assigned vessel, in charge of overall safe operations, maintenance, crew accountability and productivity in moving barges and other vessels from one location to another.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

  • Adhere to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (COI).
  • Compliance with applicable regulations; including but not limited to; OPA 90, Clean Water Act, 46 CFR, Subchapter M, Compliance with Company’s HSP, ensuring each crew member required to hold Merchant mariner Credentials (MMC) always have the credentials on board and available for examination.
  • Review HSP on a regular basis and report on conformities to shore based management.
  • Maintains records of daily activities, movements, and ports-of-call, and prepares progress and personnel reports, and other related documentation.
  • Making multiple movements of material barges, crane barges, and other vessels in the water channels of the Portsmouth Marine Terminal area.
  • Compute position, sets courses, and determines speed, using charts, area plotting sheets, navigation devices, like radar, sonic depth finder, compass and sextant and aids to navigation, like lighthouses buoys.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Must have valid Master Captain License (100 Ton) with a Towing Endorsement and knowledge of maritime practices.
  • Computer, organizational, and communications skills.
  • Ability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
  • Must have basic firefighting skills and basic lifesaving and rescue techniques.
  • Able to influence and motivate people to act.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced and changing environment.
  • Able to work effectively with many different personality types.
  • Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong mechanical knowledge to troubleshoot and repair boat systems.

Education and Experience:

  • Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) that includes 100 Ton Master or Mate of Towing
  • TWIC Card
  • Minimum of 5 Years of experience to include towing experience.
  • VSO, Vessel Security Officer
  • Radar unlimited

Physical Requirements:

  • Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hand and/or fingers.
  • Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.
  • Color correct vision
  • Ability to respond quickly to sounds.
  • Able to travel all areas of the jobsite in all types of weather; this may require walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching.