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Port Captain Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Txdot

$58 - $93/hr

As our Captain I, you'll help oversee a bustling, non-stop maritime operation. We run a dedicated ... Port Aransas 78373 Travel Yes, 5 % of the Time Shift : Rotating Shift Details : 40 Location ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Louisville, KY · On-site

Mates are senior shipboard officers reporting directly to the Captain and are responsible for safe ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

Battletown

Deckhand

KY · On-site

Shingle minor cracks in vessels * Assist in the port to engineer and managing scheduled maintenance ... Full or Limited captains license allowing operation of our vessel in our region. Work Environment

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Maysville, KY

Mates are senior shipboard officers reporting directly to the Captain and are responsible for safe ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Louisville, KY · On-site

Mates are senior shipboard officers reporting directly to the Captain and are responsible for safe ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Maysville, KY · On-site

Mates are senior shipboard officers reporting directly to the Captain and are responsible for safe ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

Eagle Materials, Inc.

Deckhand

KY · On-site

Shingle minor cracks in vessels * Assist in the port to engineer and managing scheduled maintenance ... Full or Limited captains license allowing operation of our vessel in our region. Work Environment

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Louisville, KY · On-site

Mates are senior shipboard officers reporting directly to the Captain and are responsible for safe ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

All JobsPort Captain JobsPort Captain Jobs in Kentucky

Port Captain information

See Kentucky salary details

$39.5K

$87.3K

$123.3K

How much do port captain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for port captain in Kentucky is $87,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $105,500.00 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.
More about Port Captain jobs

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

The most popular types of Port Captain jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Port Captain jobs in Kentucky?

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

What job categories do people searching Port Captain jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Captain jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Port Captain jobs in KY?

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

Port Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Captain job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,350 per year, or $42 per hour.

Port Captain

Marquette Transportation Company LLC

Paducah, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Marquette:
Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky and founded in 1978, Marquette is a leading provider of inland marine transportation services. Our Company operates over 130 towboats on the Mississippi River System, Gulf-Intracoastal Waterway, and near-shore coastwise market. In addition, the Company controls over 1,000 dry cargo barges. The Company has additional offices in St Rose, LA, Lockport, LA and La Porte, TX. With over 1,800 vessel and shore-based employees, Marquette is the largest provider of independent towing services within the inland waterways. We are the only fully integrated fleet in the industry that can do what we do.
Responsibilities:
  • Manage day-to-day operations of a fleet of 10-12 line-haul towboats (5,000-9,000 HP), ensuring adherence to company Core Principles.
  • Continuously identify and implement innovations across your fleet to improve productivity.
  • Lead vessel management teams, including port engineers, crew managers, port mates, safety managers, and purchasing managers.
  • Oversee daily voyage planning for your fleet and provide guidance to vessel master's on execution.
  • Ensure tow configurations align with vessel capability, crew experience, and operating conditions.
  • Ensure appropriate use of tug assists for bridge and lock transits.
  • Optimize fleeting and midstream operations, including barge movements, crew changes, fueling, repairs, and supply logistics.
  • Maintain and improve fleet-wide safety and environmental compliance standards.
  • Manage crew assignments to ensure appropriate experience levels and readiness.
  • Ensure fleet performance is operating within budget.
  • Participate in industry meetings and represent the company on marine committees as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential required.
  • Marine industry experience in vessel operations or leadership roles.
  • Strong knowledge of inland waterways operations, maritime regulations, and vessel inspection standards.
    Proven leadership and personnel management experience.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret operational data and drive performance.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Proficiency with modern navigation systems and vessel management software.
  • Ability to travel approximately 40% between St. Paul, MN and New Orleans, LA.
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record required.
  • Ability to work an on-call rotation, including evenings and weekends.

Marquette offers competitive pay, health, dental & vision insurance, 401K plan with company match, bonus plan, company paid life insurance, short- & long-term disability, flexible spending account, critical illness, accident insurance, and other incentives!
Marquette is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. By clicking the link below, you authorize Marquette Transportation Company, LLC to contact you by any method at the number provided.

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