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Research Vessels Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stabbert Maritime

Vessel Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

... vessels, providing specialized maritime solutions to clients across offshore, research, and ... Build and maintain strong working relationships with vessel Captains, Chief Engineers, and crew ...

Stabbert Maritime

Vessel Manager

Seattle, WA

... vessels, providing specialized maritime solutions to clients across offshore, research, and ... Build and maintain strong working relationships with vessel Captains, Chief Engineers, and crew ...

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Deckhand I

Scituate, MA

$18 - $22/hr

The vessels serve the sanctuary's research, maritime heritage, diving, monitoring, and education ... Captain to carry out duties and responsibilities. Requirements At least 1 year of vessel deck ...

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How much do research vessels captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for research vessels 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 a research vessels captain?

Research Vessels Captains are highly trained mariners responsible for operating and overseeing ships that conduct scientific research at sea. Their duties include navigating the vessel, ensuring the safety of the crew and scientists on board, and coordinating research activities in cooperation with scientific teams. They must comply with maritime laws, manage ship maintenance, and often play a key role in the success of oceanographic, environmental, or fisheries research missions. Typically, they hold advanced maritime certifications and have extensive experience in ship operations.

What are some unique challenges faced by captains of research vessels compared to commercial shipping captains?

Captains of research vessels encounter distinct challenges, such as adapting to diverse scientific missions that require specialized equipment and precise navigation to remote or sensitive environments. They must also coordinate closely with onboard scientists, balancing research objectives with safety and maritime regulations. Unlike commercial shipping, research voyages often involve flexible schedules, dynamic routes, and frequent adjustments based on ongoing research needs, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

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

A Research Vessels Captain must possess advanced maritime navigation skills, a valid captain's license (such as a USCG Master license), and thorough knowledge of maritime regulations and safety procedures. Familiarity with shipboard scientific equipment, navigation systems (like ECDIS and radar), and emergency response protocols is essential. Excellent leadership, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication are critical soft skills for managing crew and collaborating with research teams. These competencies ensure the safe operation of the vessel, successful completion of scientific missions, and the well-being of everyone on board.

What is the difference between Research Vessels Captain vs Marine Pilot?

AspectResearch Vessels CaptainMarine Pilot
CredentialsMaritime licenses, captain's license, specialized training in research operationsMarine pilot license, extensive maritime experience
Work EnvironmentResearch vessels, offshore, often in remote locationsPort and harbor areas, guiding ships safely into port
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, maritime agencies, scientific organizationsShipping companies, port authorities, maritime services

The Research Vessels Captain and Marine Pilot roles both require maritime licenses and experience. However, the Research Vessels Captain oversees research vessel operations in remote and offshore environments, focusing on scientific missions. In contrast, the Marine Pilot guides ships safely through port and harbor areas. Both roles are essential in maritime operations but serve different functions within the industry.

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Research Vessels Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Vessels Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

PT Chief Mate

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC • On-site

$26.15/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary: $26.15 Hourly
Location : Wilmington - Downtown Campus, NC
Job Type: Part Time Staff
Job Number: 21-00160
Division: Career & Technical Education
Department: Marine Technology
Opening Date: 03/15/2022
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
DEFINITION:
Work under Captain's supervision on CFCC ship training voyages standing bridge navigation watches. Assist in student training. Perform deck maintenance and repair work as needed.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
  • Receives general supervision from the Captain
  • Assists Captain in supervision of crew and students

Duties & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS STATEMENTS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
  • Stand bridge navigation watches on the College's sea training vessel on student training voyages and research voyages contracted by outside agencies
  • Assist instructors in student training on sea training voyages
  • Perform additional deck maintenance and repair as necessary, as directed by the Captain
  • Assume the duties of the Captain in the event that the Captain is for any reason unable to perform his duties or serve on a ship voyage

Other Important Functions:
  • Respond to student questions as appropriate
  • Observe students to ensure adherence to safely measures
  • Perform linehandling during docking operations as required
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
  • Navigation
  • Safe seamanship practices and procedures
  • Proper safety precautions, sea survival techniques, and firefighting methods aboard ship
  • Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations

Ability To:
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
  • Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
  • Interpret and apply CFCC goals, objectives, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
  • Communicate clearly and respectfully, both verbally and in writing
  • Effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to:
    1. working in high places
    2. dealing with air contamination
    3. difficult working conditions involving high noise levels, confined spaces, low illumination and vibration
  • Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
    1. Making observations
    2. Reading and writing
    3. Communicating with others
    4. Operating assigned equipment
    5. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
  • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:
    1. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
    2. Operating assigned equipment
    3. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
    4. Bending, stooping, climbing, or lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Maintain mental capacity, which allow the capability of:
    1. Making sound decisions
    2. Responding to questions
    3. Demonstrating intellectual capabilities

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Minimum Education/Training:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a U.S. Coast Guard license as a Mate or Master of vessels of 100 gross tons
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, U.S. Coast Guard STCW certification and Merchant Mariners Document
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a U.S. Passport

Minimum Experience:
At least two years of underway seagoing experience serving as a Captain or navigation watchstanding officer on vessels of 100 gross tons or more
Preferred Education/Training, Experience, Skills:
None
Special Instructions to Applicants:
  • This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.
  • Successful candidates are required to submit official transcripts for all degrees obtained, within 30 days of hire date. If highest level of education is a High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.
  • Successful candidates who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

  • This is a temporary part time contracted position and does not offer benefits other than voluntary participation in a 403B or 457 Retirement plan, for which no employer match is offered. Additionally, part time positions do not accrue vacation or sick leave, and do not accrue hours towards state service.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Cape Fear Community College, its faculty and staff, and the Board of Trustees are fully committed to the principles and practice of equal employment and educational opportunities. The College does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees in any programs and activities provided on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), gender (including gender identity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), disability, religion, age, genetic information, veteran status or any other protected status as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and any other applicable statutes and CFCC policies.

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