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On Call Merchant Marine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Captain

Mobile, AL · On-site

Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes for a part-time, on call, Captain to operate a ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

Captain

Fairhope, AL · On-site

Bowhead Marine Support Services is seeking part time on call Captains to support ship readiness and ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

Captain

Mobile, AL · On-site

Overview CAPTAIN - 100 Ton (MOB-2026-25842): Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

The Small R/V Captain acts as one of three resident professional mariners on Station, advising ... Experience in commercial marine operations such as merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards

USCG Captain's OUVP license * Minimum six (6+) years of experience acting as a vessel Captain, or ... Experience in commercial marine operations such as merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards

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On Call Merchant Marine Captain information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do on call merchant marine captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for on call 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.

How to become an On Call Merchant Marine Captain?

To become an on-call Merchant Marine Captain, one must obtain a U.S. Coast Guard license as a Master of Near Coastal or Ocean going vessels, which requires relevant sea service experience, passing written exams, and medical certification. Typically, candidates gain experience through maritime education, such as a maritime academy or approved training programs, and accumulate the necessary sea hours before applying for licensure. Ongoing training and compliance with safety regulations are essential for maintaining the license and working in on-call roles.

How much do on call merchant marine captains make?

On call merchant marine captains typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and the employer. They often work irregular hours and must hold valid certifications such as a U.S. Coast Guard license.

What is the difference between On Call Merchant Marine Captain vs Merchant Marine Officer?

AspectOn Call Merchant Marine CaptainMerchant Marine Officer
CredentialsValid captain's license, STCW certificationValid officer's license, STCW certification
Work EnvironmentLeads entire vessel, responsible for navigation and safetyPerforms specific duties under captain's supervision, navigational and operational roles
Employer & Industry UsageShip owners, maritime companies, cruise linesShipping companies, fleet operators, maritime agencies

On Call Merchant Marine Captains are responsible for the overall operation and safety of vessels, often working on a contractual basis. Merchant Marine Officers assist in navigation and operational tasks under the captain's supervision. While both roles require similar certifications, the captain holds higher authority and responsibility onboard.

More about On Call Merchant Marine Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for On Call Merchant Marine Captain jobs? Cities with the most On Call 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 states have the most On Call Merchant Marine Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for On Call Merchant Marine Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching On Call Merchant Marine Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for On Call Merchant Marine Captain jobs are:
Infographic showing various On Call Merchant Marine Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Benefits you receive when working with Savage:

  • Travel assistance to & from vessel paid for by employer
  • A culture that appreciates team members
  • Profit Sharing
  • Excellent Benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match
  • Opportunity for growth 
  • A commitment to helping our team members do things that they never dreamed possible

Job Summary: 

This position is based out of Tampa, FL.
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
  • Communicate among crew members during highly stressful situations
  • 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. 
  • 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 1,600 GRT upon Oceans or higher
    • Master Towing upon Oceans
    • Tankerman PIC (Barge) Dangerous Liquid Cargoes
  • Must hold a valid USCG/STCW medical certificate.
  • Must hold a valid TWIC card and U.S. Passport

Education/Experience:

  • Maritime Academy graduate preferred
  • Five years of experience as chemical tanker Master or other tank vessel experience preferred
  • ABS Nautical Systems NS5 experience preferred
  • Experience with Caustic Soda is 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