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Relief Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Innersea Discoveries

Captain

Juneau, AK

Also assist in the training of any new staff or relief Captain positions. * Monitor and counsel work performance throughout the season and conduct written performance evaluations of the above crew ...

Harbor Breeze Cruises

Port Captain

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

... relief Captain as needed and provide hands-on support during peak seasons, special events, and charter operations. Safety & Compliance: • Promote a strong safety culture and lead safety drills and ...

Innersea Discoveries

Captain

Juneau, AK

Also assist in the training of any new staff or relief Captain positions. * Monitor and counsel work performance throughout the season and conduct written performance evaluations of the above crew ...

Crew Careers Page

Captain

Juneau, AK · On-site

Also assist in the training of any new staff or relief Captain positions. * Monitor and counsel work performance throughout the season and conduct written performance evaluations of the above crew ...

UnCruise Adventures

Captain

Juneau, AK · On-site

Also assist in the training of any new staff or relief Captain positions. * Monitor and counsel work performance throughout the season and conduct written performance evaluations of the above crew ...

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX

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 ...

Dann Marine Towing

AB Deckhand

Chesapeake City, MD · On-site

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 ...

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

Wood Resources, LLC

Towing Deckhand

Avondale, LA

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 ...

Wood Resources, LLC

Towing Deckhand

Avondale, LA · On-site

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 ...

Amrize

Boat Captain

Port Allen, LA · On-site

Captains are responsible for crew members' safety and their well-being while on our vessel ... or their relief. * Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health ...

Amrize

Captains are responsible for crew members' safety and their well-being while on our vessel ... or their relief. * Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health ...

Amrize

Boat Captain

Port Allen, LA

Captains are responsible for crew members' safety and their well-being while on our vessel ... or their relief. * Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health ...

Amrize

Boat Captain

Prairieville, LA · On-site

Captains are responsible for crew members' safety and their well-being while on our vessel ... or their relief. * Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health ...

Amrize

Captains are responsible for crew members' safety and their well-being while on our vessel ... or their relief. * Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health ...

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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 Jun 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 are Relief Captains?

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
Towing Trip/Fill-In Captain

Towing Trip/Fill-In Captain

Wood Resources, LLC

Avondale, LA • On-site

$650 - $700/day

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

For more than 70 years, WoodResources has continued to provide marine towing, ship mooring, dredging, as well as  construction andlandscaping materials.

Position Summary:

Captains are responsible for the safe operation of vesselsand barges.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Total responsibility for the safety of the towing vessel.  This includes ensuring that the vessel is adhering to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (once the COI has been issued) and follows applicable regulations regarding the towing vessel.
  • Determines if an unsafe operation endangers the vessel or the crew.
  • Report any accident, incident, illness of the crew, or maintenance problem.
  • Preparation, filing and onboard maintenance of all records and documents.
  • Ensuring and promoting a positive and proactive relationship with the customer through his or her actions, decisions, abilities, temperament and operational efficiency of the crew and vessel.

Job Requirements:

  • Captains License/MMC
  • Medical Endorsement
  • Radar Endorsement
  • Radio and Telephone Permit
  • Current Transportation Work Identification Credential (TWIC) required 

PhysicalRequirements:

Standingand Walking Tasks

Continuedand occasionally uninterrupted work on all decks of the vessel, including theengine room with the majority of the work comprised of standing and walking.

SittingTasks

Steeringthe vessel.

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 and mooring lines, rigging equipment for barges,steel cable, anchors, stores, supplies and tools.

Crouching/ Squatting / Kneeling Tasks

Dailyhandling of equipment and cleaning.

Pushingand Pulling Tasks

Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines.

Other on the Job Demands

Dailycrawling, jumping, stepping to board vessel, climbing, twisting.

PotentialWork Conditions and Exposures

Hot,cold or sudden changes in temperatures, noise, fumes, cramped quarters, sharpedges, vibrations, effect of seas on vessel, non-stationary work surfaces,working on water, significant distance from shore, moving parts and pressurelines.

Wood Resources, LLC is an equalopportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment withoutattention to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, genderidentity, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteranstatus, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected byfederal, state or local laws.

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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