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Port Captain Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Unlicensed

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... ship's Captain regarding daily vessel operations and maintenance, while coordinating repairs, professional development, scheduling, training, and mentoring in collaboration with Regional Port ...

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Unlicensed

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... ship's Captain regarding daily vessel operations and maintenance, while coordinating repairs, professional development, scheduling, training, and mentoring in collaboration with Regional Port ...

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Licensed

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... ship's Captain regarding daily vessel operations and maintenance, while coordinating repairs, professional development, scheduling, training, and mentoring in collaboration with Regional Port ...

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Licensed

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... ship's Captain regarding daily vessel operations and maintenance, while coordinating repairs, professional development, scheduling, training, and mentoring in collaboration with Regional Port ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

La Crosse, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 Wisconsin

Port Captain information

See Wisconsin salary details

$45.9K

$101.5K

$143.3K

How much do port captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for port captain in Wisconsin is $101,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,800.00 and $122,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Port Captain jobs in Wisconsin? For Port Captain jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Port Captain jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Port Captain jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Port Captain jobs in WI? For Port Captain jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Port Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Captain job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,513 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Mate (First or Second)

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$366.64 - $405.40/day

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Location: R/V Lake Guardian, 600 E Greenfield Ave. Milwaukee, WI
Relocation: No relocation offered for this position
Worksite: R/V Lake Guardian, 600 E Greenfield Ave. Milwaukee, WI
Pay: $366.64 - $405.40 per day, plus significant PTO pay-out
Classification: Non-Exempt
Travel: Yes
Job Summary
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a qualified, professional candidate to support the EPA 180-foot Research Vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian. The ship sails extensively throughout the Great Lakes from April through October and is homeported in Milwaukee Wisconsin. R/V Lake Guardian is the largest vessel in the U.S. EPA fleet and is used to sample water, aquatic life, sediments, and air to assess the overall health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Tasks
  • Stand watch and assist the Captain in navigation and maneuvering of the ship. Maintain navigational equipment and update charts.
  • Conduct regular safety drills and inspections, ensuring compliance with maritime safety regulations.
  • Oversee maintenance and cleanliness of the deck and superstructure, including equipment. Manage the upkeep of the ship's hull, rigging, and deck machinery.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of deck officers and crew.
  • Maintain logs and records related to navigation, supplies, and safety. Prepare reports for the Captain and company management.
  • Act as a liaison between the Captain and the deck crew.
  • Communicate with port authorities, agents, and other ships.

Requirements
  • The minimum licensing requirement for the Chief Mates is a valid license issued by the USCG with endorsement as Mate of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon Great Lakes and Inland waters with licensing or MMC officer endorsement required to serve as a pilot on a vessel in the Great Lakes as specified in 46 CFR § 15.812.
  • Experience serving as a Mate onboard research vessels is desirable.
  • Must be able to work collegially with scientists, natural resource managers, and educators.
  • Must be a member, or willing to become a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots union.
  • Must be able to pass a drug screening and background check.
  • Must maintain a U.S. passport as well as have a valid US state issued driver's license.

AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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