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Port Captain Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX

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.

Kirby-Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

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.

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX

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.

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

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.

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

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.

Centerline Logistics

Inland Port Captain

Channelview, TX · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Responsibilities * Supervise Captains, Mates, and Deck Crews * Conduct Management Vessel ... Must be physically fit enough to board barges and tugs at sea and in port. * Frequently required to ...

Port Houston

Tradesman II Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work ... The Captain is responsible for continual repairs to Port Houston wharves, docks, piers, fender and ...

Port Houston

Tradesman II Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work ... The Captain is responsible for continual repairs to Port Houston wharves, docks, piers, fender and ...

Port Houston

Tradesman III Marine Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work ... Ability to temporarily take over throttle and engines under captain's supervision to help with ...

Port Houston

Tradesman III Marine Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work ... Ability to temporarily take over throttle and engines under captain's supervision to help with ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPort Captain JobsPort Captain Jobs in Texas

Port Captain information

See Texas salary details

$42.4K

$93.7K

$132.3K

How much do port captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for port captain in Texas is $93,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $113,200.00 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Port Captain jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Port Captain job openings:

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

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

Port Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Captain job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, and 55% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,699 per year, or $45 per hour.

Port Captain - KOM

Kirby Corporation

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

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. Responsibilities also involve ensuring compliance with company policies, regulations, and customer requirements, as well as coordinating repair work for navigational equipment. The role includes approving vessel purchases and requisitions, participating in incident and emergency response, and cultivating customer relations. Additionally, the Port Captain conducts performance reviews, develops safety messages, and tracks document expiration and inspections. They also participate in audits, training, incident investigations, and budget monitoring, while attending industry/customer meetings and addressing operational issues as needed.


  • Oversees day-to-day vessel operations.
  • Oversees material condition of the fleet.
  • Conducts routine and non-routine inspections of vessels.
  • Acts as shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.
  • Implements Company policies and procedures.
  • Ensures vessel personnel operate according to regulations, procedures, and Customer requirements.
  • Oversees vessel crew assignments.
  • Performs boat visits to monitor safety standards and monitor "appearance."
  • Transfer Audits
  • Vessel Safety Audits
  • Work Place Safety Observations
  • Job Hazard Analysis
  • Coordinates repair work for all navigational equipment aboard vessels.
  • Radar, Radios, AIS, GPS, GMDSS, BNWAS, SSAS
  • Approves vessel purchases and/or places vessel purchases.
  • Approves requisitions pertaining to vessel operations for payment.
  • Actively participates in incident and emergency response including coordinating and/or conducting post-incident drug and alcohol testing.
  • Approves new vessel pilot house employees.
  • Participates in on-call duty rotation.
  • Cultivates customer relations.
  • Reviews and recommends vessel employee promotions.
  • Reviews annual performance review of vessel crew completed by Captains.
  • Conducts Captains’ performance reviews annually.
  • Develops safety messages to fleet as required.
  • Develops “Lessons Learned” for fleet distribution when required.
  • Tracks expiration of all pertinent documents for vessels and barges and coordinates ABS/USCG inspections
  • Participates in SIRE audits.
  • Participates in vessel personnel training and HSQE System.
  • Conducts incident investigations and develops corrective actions.
  • Monitors budget versus actual vessel expenditures
  • Attends industry/customer meetings as needed.
  • Counsels Vessel Captains (crew, budget, and operational issues)
  • Special projects as required.

Special Education, Training, Degree or License Required:

Experience with Tank Barge Operations including cargo handling preferred; PIC Endorsement or 1600 Ton Master License or Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience preferred, minimum 5 years Industry experience.

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