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Relief Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Relief Captain serves as Pilot when the Master is on the vessel, and serves as the Master when the Master is at home. The Master/Relief/Pilot must be able to intercede and safely perform the ...

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 ...

The AB Deckhand is directly responsible and accountable to the Captain or Relief Captain, working directly under them and following instructions. Deckhand duties vary from vessel to vessel and from ...

The Relief Captain serves as Pilot when the Master is on the vessel, and serves as the Master when the Master is at home. The Master/Relief/Pilot must be able to intercede and safely perform the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Prior leadership experience as a Captain, Master, Relief Captain, or Mate. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a seasoned maritime professional who understands the demands of offshore vessel ...

Job Responsibilities: * Assist and support the Captain, Relief Captain or Watch Captain in ensuring compliance with all current federal, state and local regulatory requirements. * Perform vessel ...

Job Responsibilities: * Assist and support the Captain, Relief Captain or Watch Captain in ensuring compliance with all current federal,state and local regulatory requirements. * Perform vessel ...

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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:
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.

Relief Captain - Shoals Marine Lab

University System of New Hampshire

Durham, NH • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


University System Of New Hampshire rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

USNH Employees should apply within Workday through the Jobs Hub app

This position assists in maintaining, operating, and ensuring the safety of Shoals Marine Laboratory's vessels and waterfront under the direction of the Lead Captain. Responsibilities include acting as captain of SML's USCG-inspected vessels, overseeing laboratory and oceanographic equipment use during open-water activities, and ensuring the safety of all vessel occupants. The role also involves training and supervising student staff, conducting routine maintenance on vessels and waterfront infrastructure, and managing documentation, inspections, and permits. Additionally, the position fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment. The individual must be available for emergency response while on duty and assist with various operational needs. Other duties may be assigned as necessary. Dates of employment will vary based on SML need, between July 1 and Sept 15, 2026.

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Under the direction ofSMLLead Captain assist to maintain, operate and ensure the safety of the R/V John M. Kingsbury, R/V J.B. Heiser, other small vessels in theSMLfleet and all related elements of the waterfront providing transportation, supply, and program services for Shoals Marine Laboratory.

  • Regularly act in full capacity as captain of SML'sUSCGinspected vessels (R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V Heiser) including the onboard supervision of at least one crew member.

  • Oversee the operation of laboratory and oceanographic equipment during open-water laboratories, paying particular attention to the health and safety of all vessel occupants.

  • Train and supervise student staff with assigned tasks within purview of vessel and waterfront operations.

  • Routine preventative maintenance and troubleshoot problems on allSMLwatercraft including vessels, motors, floats, moorings, barges, and docks.

  • Utilizing application-based maintenance software to track tasks and duties.

  • Assist in ensuring that all vessels have proper documentation, inspections, permits and registrations.

  • Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, researchers, and visitors.

  • Implement initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Expected to be available for consultation and emergency response at all times, on days scheduled to be working, and while onSMLproperty and vessels.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

  • Applicants must possess a 50 ton inland (minimum)USCGMaster's license and be eligible for employment in the United States.

  • Ability to adapt to vessels with different and unique handling characteristics in challenging currents and conditions.

  • Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States.

  • Selected candidates must be able to successfully participate in pre-employment and random drug testing.

  • Meet the University of New Hampshire's hiring requirements for both criminal and driving history (background checks are required).

  • Applicants must have interest in working in a remote educational environment.

  • Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment.

  • Knowledge of basic computer skills; proven organizational skills; attention to detail along with experience managing multiple tasks.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

  • Serve as a crew member on board a commercial or an oceanographic vessel, Merchant Mariner Credential, minimum US Coast Guard 50-ton Master License Valid Drivers License and Safe Driving Record.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Must be able to work as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.

  • Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of supply runs both on Appledore and on the mainland.

  • Must be able to lift and move more than 50 lbs.

Other Requirements:

  • Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a residential, teaching facility located on Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, Maine. The island field station is open seasonally from May-September, and supports students, faculty, visitors and staff in a close-knit, sustainable community.

  • Room and board are provided for island staff. All staff serve the island community as a team with each department working together to support SML's programs. It is everyone's responsibility to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.

  • Living and working on a remote island is a unique experience which requires that everyone pitch in to help, even when it is not part of their job description, or during their scheduled hours. This includes, but is not limited to helping clean up after meals, helping transport goods from the vessels to other locations on the island, operating as crew aboard vessels, and generally being supportive and helpful with other members of our community.

  • The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. AllUNHyouth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.

Compensation Pay Range:

$200-$350

Salary will be dependent on dates worked and experience.

The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. All UNH youth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location:

Durham

Salary Grade:

Period Activity

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