ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pilot Boat Captain Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Petersburg, VA

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

dynamicaviation

Deployed DHC8 Captain

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

The ISR Captain for Dash8 role exists to provide pilot services for tactical ISR aircraft in ... Pilot the Dash-8 in company operations related to functional check flights, OCONUS or CONUS ISR ...

Dynamic Aviation

Deployed DHC8 Captain

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$37.50 - $61.57/hr

The ISR Captain for Dash8 role exists to provide pilot services for tactical ISR aircraft in ... Pilot the Dash-8 in company operations related to functional check flights, OCONUS or CONUS ISR ...

OSI Recruit

Gulfstream G500 - Captain

Richmond, VA

As a G500 Pilot, you will be responsible for safely operating aircraft and ensuring the comfort and safety of its owners. This is a full\-time position with competitive pay. \n \n \n Location:

United States Coast Guard

Boatswain's Mate

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$22 - $24.75/hr

Skills You'll Learn Boat operations Seamanship and navigation Leadership Training You'll Get * BMs ... Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels * General and Operations Manager * Emergency Management ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of ... boat. The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer. The Licensed ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of ... boat. The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer. The Licensed ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

... pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel ... • Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired. • ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPilot Boat Captain JobsPilot Boat Captain Jobs in Virginia

Pilot Boat Captain information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do pilot boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot boat captain in Virginia is $25.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot boat captain?

A Pilot Boat Captain is responsible for operating a vessel that transports marine pilots to and from incoming or outgoing ships. They navigate through challenging waters to ensure pilots can safely board or disembark from larger vessels. This role requires extensive maritime experience, knowledge of local waterways, and the ability to operate a boat in various weather conditions. Safety and precision are crucial, as they often work near large moving ships.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily challenges for a pilot boat captain?

As a Pilot Boat Captain, your main responsibilities include safely operating the pilot boat to transfer marine pilots to and from incoming and outgoing ships, often in varied weather and sea states. Daily challenges may involve navigating crowded harbors, working in poor visibility or rough conditions, and responding quickly to changing circumstances to ensure crew and pilot safety. You also maintain the vessel, oversee crew readiness, and frequently communicate with harbor authorities and ship captains. This role requires flexibility, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety protocols. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as you work closely with both your crew and external maritime professionals each shift.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the pilot boat captain position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Boat Captain, you need expert navigation skills, seamanship, and a valid captain’s license (such as a USCG Master license), along with experience operating vessels in various sea and weather conditions. Familiarity with radar, GPS systems, VHF radios, and adherence to maritime safety regulations is essential. Strong communication, decision-making, and leadership abilities help manage crew operations and coordinate with harbor pilots and incoming ships. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, timely, and efficient transfer of pilots to vessels, often under challenging conditions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot Boat Captain jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Pilot Boat Captain jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Boat Captain jobs in Virginia?

For Pilot Boat Captain jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pilot Boat Captain jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot Boat Captain jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Pilot Boat Captain jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Pilot Boat Captain job openings:

Pilot Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Boat Captain job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,072 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Captain

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about American Cruise Linesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Captain
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Oversee Shipboard Engineer.
  • Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.

Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Apply