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Port Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Port Captain

$131K - $237K/yr

The Port Captain will work remotely and support a wide variety of manned and unmanned vessels across numerous programs. The Port Captain coordinates vessel schedules, crewing, readiness assessments ...

The Port Captain will oversee the operation and maintenance of the U.S. Army vessels assigned to USAKA and will have the with the authority to accomplish the duties described herein in accordance ...

The Port Captain is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel, oversight of vessel staff, supervision of the cargo operations, communication with the main office, and working under the ...

The Port Captain is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel, oversight of vessel staff, supervision of the cargo operations, communication with the main office, and working under the ...

The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

The Port Captain is an integral member of the shoreside Operations team. The Port Captain supports the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of Mainstay Maritime's Great Lakes fleet, ensuring ...

The Port Captain supports the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of Mainstay Maritime's Great Lakes fleet, ensuring vessels operate in accordance with all regulatory requirements, the Safety ...

The Port Captain supports the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of Mainstay Maritime's Great Lakes fleet, ensuring vessels operate in accordance with all regulatory requirements, the Safety ...

... with Captains and Crew establishing and maintaining positive communication between vessel and ... Preparing vessel repair specifications in association with the Engineering superintendent/ Port ...

... with Captains and Crew establishing and maintaining positive communication between vessel and ... Preparing vessel repair specifications in association with the Engineering superintendent/ Port ...

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

GENERAL POSITION OVERVIEW The Port Captain position has regional responsibilities for efficient and cost-effective terminal and vessel operations within the assigned region's ports and marine ...

Involve Port Captain in an active role in the shipyarding of assigned Tugs and Barges as required, including ship check, shipyard meetings and vessel visits during the all shipyard periods. Prepare ...

Port Engineer

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Involve Port Captain in an active role in the shipyarding of assigned Tugs and Barges as required, including ship check, shipyard meetings and vessel visits during the all shipyard periods. Prepare ...

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Port Captain information

See salary details

$45.5K

$100.6K

$142K

How much do port captain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for port captain in the United States is $100,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a port captain?

A port captain oversees the ships in a port to ensure they are ready for their voyages. As a port captain, your responsibilities include making sure you comply with all maritime safety protocols, crews are sufficient in size and qualifications, the proper equipment is on board, and the captain is doing their job properly. Your job is to see the smooth operation of the port and ensure that the ships in it are complying with safety and functionality requirements. Port captain is a very physical job, so in addition to having nautical expertise, you should be comfortable lifting heavy loads and working in inclement weather.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Port Captain, you need extensive maritime experience, a valid captain’s license (such as a USCG Master license), and in-depth knowledge of vessel operations and safety regulations. Familiarity with navigation systems, maritime communication tools, and compliance with international maritime laws is crucial. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help in managing crews and coordinating port activities efficiently. These abilities ensure safe, efficient vessel movements and regulatory compliance, which are vital for port operations and crew safety.

What are some common challenges a port captain faces when coordinating vessel operations?

Port Captains frequently encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, managing tight vessel schedules, and coordinating communication between ship crews, port authorities, and logistics teams. Balancing operational efficiency while addressing unexpected issues like weather delays or mechanical problems is a key part of the role. Successful Port Captains rely on strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to maintain smooth operations and minimize costly disruptions.

What is the difference between Port Captain vs Marine Superintendent?

AspectPort CaptainMarine Superintendent
CredentialsMaritime certifications, licenses, experience in shippingMaritime certifications, engineering or technical background, experience in vessel management
Work EnvironmentPort operations, ship management, on-site at ports or shipsVessel oversight, technical management, office-based with site visits
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authorities, maritime firmsShipping companies, fleet operators, maritime agencies
Common Search/ComparisonPort Captain vs Marine Superintendent

The Port Captain and Marine Superintendent roles both involve vessel management and maritime operations, but the Port Captain primarily focuses on port operations, ship safety, and compliance at port sites. The Marine Superintendent oversees vessel maintenance, technical standards, and fleet management. Both roles require maritime certifications and experience, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ, making them distinct yet related positions in the maritime industry.

How do you become a port captain?

To become a port captain, candidates typically need a maritime or related degree, extensive experience in ship operations, and relevant certifications such as STCW. Progressing through roles like deck officer or vessel supervisor helps build the necessary leadership and operational skills for this supervisory position.

How much do port captains make?

Port captains typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the port or shipping company. They often hold certifications such as STCW and have strong knowledge of maritime safety, navigation, and regulatory compliance.

What cities are hiring for Port Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Port Captain job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Port Captain jobs?

The most popular types of Port Captain jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Port Captain jobs?

The top employers for Port Captain jobs are:

What states have the most Port Captain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Port Captain jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Port Captain jobs?

For Port Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Port Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,572 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

$131K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 499 rated business services


Job description

The Defense Sector at Leidos, supporting the Maritime Readiness Division, is seeking a Port Captain with a USCG Unlimited Tonnage Oceans with corresponding STCW certificates to support a dynamic high growth organization. The Port Captain will work remotely and support a wide variety of manned and unmanned vessels across numerous programs.
The Port Captain coordinates vessel schedules, crewing, readiness assessments, maintenance activities, inspections, and mission execution while maintaining compliance with applicable U.S. Coast Guard, STCW, and organizational requirements. The Port Captain applies extensive shipboard leadership and operational experience to assess vessel status, identify risks, resolve readiness issues, and support safe and effective operations across a dynamic fleet environment.
Serving as a key liaison between afloat personnel and shore-based support organizations, the Port Captain coordinates resources and priorities to sustain fleet availability and respond effectively to emergent operational requirements. The position supports emergency response activities as a member of the Incident Command System and provides experienced maritime leadership during casualties, maintenance periods, inspections, and mission-critical events.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Report to Logistics Platform Manager for vessel operations across programs
  • Provide operational oversight for assigned vessels to ensure safe, reliable, and mission-ready operations.
  • Monitor vessel readiness, maintenance status, regulatory compliance, and overall operational performance.
  • Coordinate vessel schedules, crewing requirements, maintenance periods, inspections, certifications, and mission tasking.
  • Serve as the primary shore-side liaison for vessel Masters and senior shipboard personnel, providing guidance and resolving operational issues.
  • Coordinate with engineering, maintenance, logistics, safety, crewing, and other shore-based support functions to maximize vessel availability.
  • Support vessels through maintenance availabilities, dry dockings, sea trials, readiness assessments, and return-to-service activities.
  • Track and facilitate compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, STCW, classification society, company, and customer requirements.
  • Review operational risks, identify emerging readiness concerns, and develop corrective actions or mitigation plans.
  • Provide experienced maritime guidance for navigation, seamanship, cargo operations, shipboard safety, and other marine operational matters.
  • Coordinate response to vessel casualties, emergencies, schedule disruptions, and other unplanned operational events.
  • Participate in the Incident Command System and support emergency response and contingency operations as required.
  • Support preparation for regulatory inspections, audits, Certificates of Inspection, readiness assessments, and other required evaluations.
  • Evaluate vessel and crew performance and provide recommendations to improve safety, operational effectiveness, and mission execution.
  • Maintain communication with customers and operational stakeholders regarding vessel status, capabilities, constraints, and projected availability.
  • Provide leadership and oversight to ensure vessels transition effectively between maintenance, certification, training, and operational mission requirements.

Basic Qualifications
  • USCG Merchant Mariner credentials: Master Unlimited Oceans with corresponding STCW certificate
  • USCG Medical Certificate
  • Position requires the ability to perform in an arduous duty environment.
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
  • Ability to lift 40lbs
  • Must be able to communicate effectively
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be able to gain access to obtain a Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience operating in a joint, Department of Defense, Military Sealift Command, U.S. Navy, or similarly complex maritime environment is highly desirable.
  • Master's Degree
  • PMP Certification

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 27, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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