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Relief Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seaport Museum New York

Relief Captain

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$32/hr

The Relief Captain works under the direction of the full-time Captain. Captains are responsible for the safety of the vessel, guests, and crew while in command. They run harbor tours and charters ...

Dann Marine Towing

Captain/Relief Captain

Job Type Full-time Description The Captain/Relief Captain of the vessel is the Master, in his absence the relief is Master. The Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4A Captain

Sulphur, LA · On-site

The Relief Captain stands the after watch if riding with the Captain or stands the forward watch if riding with the Pilot. When a pilothouse person is off duty, it is their responsibility to get ...

Blessey Marine Services

Wheelman

Harahan, LA

Master, Relief Captain, Pilot DEPARTMENT: Vessel FLSA STATUS: Exempt SUPERVISION: Reports to: C.O.O., V.P. of Operations, Operations Manager, Port Captain Supervises: Tankerman, Deckhands SUMMARY ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4A Captain

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Relief Captain stands the after watch if riding with the Captain or stands the forward watch if riding with the Pilot. When a pilothouse person is off duty, it is their responsibility to get ...

Wood Resources, LLC

Towing Captain

Avondale, LA

LiftingTasks Thefollowing objects, from less than 10 to occasionally more than 100 pounds, maybe stored as low as floor level and lifted by the Captain or Relief Captain.Pumps, sack materials, tow ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

Captain / Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Relief Captain stands the after watch if riding with the Captain or stands the forward watch if riding with the Pilot. When a pilothouse person is off duty, it is their responsibility to get ...

Wood Resources, LLC

Towing Captain

Avondale, LA · On-site

LiftingTasks Thefollowing objects, from less than 10 to occasionally more than 100 pounds, maybe stored as low as floor level and lifted by the Captain or Relief Captain.Pumps, sack materials, tow ...

Blessey Marine

Wheelman

Harahan, LA · On-site

Master, Relief Captain,Pilot DEPARTMENT: Vessel FLSASTATUS: Exempt SUPERVISION: Reportsto: C.O.O., V.P. of Operations, OperationsManager, Port Captain Supervises: Tankerman,Deckhands ...

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Relief Captain information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do relief captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for relief captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Relief Captain vs Fire Captain?

AspectRelief CaptainFire Captain
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license often requiredFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license often required
Work EnvironmentTemporary or substitute role, often covering shifts or absencesLead firefighting team, manage fireground operations
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

Relief Captains serve as temporary or substitute leaders within fire departments, filling in for Fire Captains when needed. They share similar certifications and work environments but do not typically hold the same leadership responsibilities. Fire Captains are permanent leaders responsible for managing firefighting teams and fireground operations. Both roles require comparable credentials and are integral to emergency response teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a relief captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relief Captain, you need a valid captain's license, extensive maritime experience, and strong navigation and vessel operation skills. Familiarity with electronic chart systems (ECS), GPS navigation, radar, and maritime safety regulations is essential, along with certifications like STCW and First Aid/CPR. Excellent leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help manage crew dynamics and respond effectively in emergency situations. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of vessels, especially when stepping in for regular captains.

What is a relief captain?

Relief Captains are licensed professionals who temporarily take command of a vessel, such as a ship or boat, when the regular captain is unavailable due to leave, illness, or other reasons. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, manage the crew, and oversee navigation and compliance with maritime regulations. Relief Captains may work on various types of vessels, including commercial ships, ferries, or offshore platforms. Their role is crucial in maintaining continuity of leadership and safety at sea.

How does a relief captain typically transition into command on a vessel, and what are the main challenges during this handover period?

A Relief Captain usually steps in when the regular captain is on leave or unavailable, requiring a smooth handover to maintain operational continuity. The transition often involves detailed briefings on current voyages, crew dynamics, ongoing maintenance, and any immediate safety or regulatory concerns. One of the main challenges is quickly building trust with the crew and adapting to the vessel’s specific protocols while ensuring compliance with company and maritime regulations. Effective communication and strong leadership are essential during this period to address any uncertainties and maintain high standards of safety and performance.
More about Relief Captain jobs
What states have the most Relief Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Relief Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Relief Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Relief Captain jobs are:
Relief Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Captain/Relief Captain

Dann Marine Towing

Chesapeake City, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Captain/Relief Captain of the vessel is the Master, in his absence the relief is Master. The Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and performance of the crew, vessel and tow, and for ensuring that the equipment is kept neat, clean, and in good working order. The Captain must also ensure that company policy, rules, and regulations are followed.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • The Captain must report to the office all violations of Dann Marine Towing policy or violations of Federal, State, or Local laws.
  • The Captain is responsible for conducting vessel inspections at least every other month.
  • The Captain must ensure that all crew members are courteous to all people at fleets, docks, etc.
  • The Captain must set the watch standing schedule for the crew, ensuring that no licensed wheelman works more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period.
  • The Captain must post a station bill and ensure that all crew members are familiar with their respective stations and duties in case of an emergency.
  • Either the Captain or Mate will be on watch at all times.
  • The Captain is responsible for setting an hourly inspection schedule of the engine room spaces and the bilge to be performed 24/7.
  • The Captain must make frequent, regular inspections of engineering spaces, crew quarters, heads, the galley, and all other areas of the boat and tow to ensure neatness, cleanliness, orderliness, safety and proper maintenance.
  • The Captain must ensure that all barges are in navigable condition and must report any deficiencies to the office. Damaged or endangered barges must be reported immediately and appropriate measures taken to ensure safety.
  • It is the responsibility of the Captain to maintain the Vessel Daily Log and see that it is posted at the end of each six-hour watch
  • The Captain will report all personal injuries or illnesses to crew members or any illness occurring on the vessel as soon as possible after notification.
  • The Captain is responsible for safety of the crew and will report all accidents resulting in actual or possible damage to any Dann Marine Towing tow or boat, other vessels or tows, fixed objects such as bridges, docks, other objects such as buoys, or damage which results in cargo loss, contamination, spills or pollution. Grounding and wheel fouling should be reported immediately, regardless of the extent of damage.
  • Ensuring that all crew members are properly trained in emergency procedures, including fire drills and abandon-ship drills
Requirements:
  • Minimum - Master of Towing Vessels 200 ton
  • 3-5 years experience operating a tugboat
  • Must possess a valid radar observer license.
  • Valid MMC, Coast Guard Medical Certificate & TWIC

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