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Port Captain Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

... port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work. Captain Elliott ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work. Captain Elliott ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA

The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer. The Licensed Engineer must keep Captain apprised of issue(s) or his or her relief. Responsible for the good condition and ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer. The Licensed Engineer must keep Captain apprised of issue(s) or his or her relief. Responsible for the good condition and ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Norfolk, VA · 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

Norfolk, VA

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

Portsmouth, VA · 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

Petersburg, VA · 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 Virginia

Port Captain information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$99.7K

$140.8K

How much do port captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for port captain in Virginia is $99,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,200.00 and $120,500.00 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 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.

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 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.

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 leadership and navigation skills, working in maritime environments with irregular schedules.
More about Port Captain jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Port Captain jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Port Captain job openings:

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

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

Port Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Captain job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,710 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Captain

American Cruise Lines

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 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.

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