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Port Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Must have five years as a tugboat captain or shoreside management experience. Ocean towing is preferred. Must possess a valid USCG Masters License or Mates License at a minimum. Foss Maritime Company ...

Must have five years as a tugboat captain or shoreside management experience. Ocean towing is preferred. Must possess a valid USCG Masters License or Mates License at a minimum. Foss Maritime Company ...

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Port Captain information

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$45.5K

$100.6K

$142K

How much do port captain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 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 Port Captains?

Port Captains are maritime professionals responsible for overseeing the operations of vessels in a specific port or area. They ensure that ships comply with all regulations, coordinate logistics such as crew changes and cargo handling, and act as liaisons between ships, port authorities, and company management. Port Captains play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards, efficiency, and smooth port operations. Their expertise helps prevent delays and ensures that vessels are well-maintained and properly staffed while in port.

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.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,572 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Shoreside Port Captain

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Directly supervise, hire, train and evaluate marine personnel. Conduct Tug Inspections, attend SIRE inspections, and conduct evaluations and navigation audits of Deck Officers via direct observations on board. Develop marine operations and cost control programs for vessels. Assist in new project development, interfacing with customers, etc. Assist in vessel scheduling of personnel as required. Produce weekly Operations reports.


  • Supervise Captains, Mates, and Deck Crews.
  • Ensure that vessels and crews are following and complying with State and Federal regulations.
  • Ensure that crews are following and complying with company policies.
  • Conduct Management Vessel Inspections on repair and maintenance standards and procedures.
  • Ensuring that vessels are SIRE ready.
  • Assist in scheduling of SIRE’s
  • Perform incident investigations.
  • Manage Compliance with company safety program.
  • Prompt and correct response to operating situations.
  • Perform inspections of vessels on repair & maintenance standards and procedures.
  • Recruitment, performance reviews and auditing of marine personnel.
  • Develop and administer operating & cost control procedures on company vessels.
  • Assist in new project development.
  • Interface with customers on an ongoing basis.
  • Operate company vessels as Captain if directed by President, Vice President, or Director of Marine Operations.
  • Accident & Spill Free Operations
  • Training, professional skill development of marine personnel
  • Monitor safety record of vessels and crew
  • Development of company operating procedures and acceptance by Vetters.
  • Perform in the company Spill Management team as assigned
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

  • Five (5) years at sea as Master on tugboats, tankers or oil barges or equivalent military experience.
  • Four (4) year college education in Maritime or related studies or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Valid US Coast Guard Master’s license on offshore towboats 200T Minimum/Master of Towing Endorsement.
  • ATB Operational experience strongly preferred
  • 500T Minimum Master of Towing preferred.
  • Extensive knowledge of the tugboat and oil transportation industry.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with tank barge, ship and terminal/refinery operations.
  • Knowledge of tug and barge maintenance systems and equipment.
  • Complete a 24 hour HAZWOPER (including Incident Command System) training within 6 months of being hired.
  • First Aid/CPR training.
  • STCW Certification.
  • Valid State Driver’s license.
  • Ability to get along with office staff and vessel crew members.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communications.
  • Able and willing to travel to the out ports.
  • Ability to work with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
  • Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance.
  • Typing: 40 wpm.
  • Computer Skills: Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Must be able to read, speak, write type and understand English in person and over the phone.

  • Capable of making decisions and giving directions to facilitate prompt service delivery.
  • Must be physically fit enough to board barges and tugs at sea and in port.
  • Frequently required to board tugs, barges, and ships, at dock or at anchor in all weather conditions and at all hours.

  • Normal office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Take communications 24 hours a day, including weekends concerning changes in schedules and conditions.

Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.

The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.