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Sailing Captain Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

State of Alaska

Boat Officer 2 (12-1921)

Juneau, AK · On-site

$32.90/hr

The Boat Officer 2 may serve as captain of State of Alaska vessels 28 to 42 feet overall. OUR ... sailing and safety. Working knowledge of the repair and maintenance of marine engines, systems ...

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Steward

Juneau, AK · On-site

$131/day

Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off) * Travel stipend * Pro deals * Credential ... Participate in on board safety training, meetings, and drills as directed by the Captain. These ...

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Sous Chef

Juneau, AK · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off) * Travel stipend * Pro deals * Credential ... Participate in on board safety training, meetings and drills as directed by the Captain, including ...

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Chef

Juneau, AK · On-site

Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off) * Travel stipend * Pro deals * Credential ... Participate in on board safety training, meetings and drills as directed by the Captain, including ...

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Chef

Juneau, AK · On-site

Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off) * Travel stipend * Pro deals * Credential ... Participate in on board safety training, meetings and drills as directed by the Captain, including ...

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Steward

Juneau, AK · On-site

$131/day

Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off) * Travel stipend * Pro deals * Credential ... Participate in on board safety training, meetings, and drills as directed by the Captain. These ...

All JobsSailing Captain JobsSailing Captain Jobs in Alaska

Sailing Captain information

See Alaska salary details

$8

$22

$52

How much do sailing captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for sailing captain in Alaska is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sailing captain do?

A Sailing Captain is responsible for commanding and navigating a sailing vessel, ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers, and managing all aspects of the voyage. This includes plotting courses, monitoring weather conditions, and maintaining the boat’s equipment. Sailing Captains are also in charge of compliance with maritime laws and often oversee crew training and guest experiences. Their expertise is essential for both recreational charters and commercial sailing operations.

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

To thrive as a Sailing Captain, you need comprehensive seamanship knowledge, navigation skills, and typically a recognized captain's license such as a USCG or RYA certification. Familiarity with navigational software, marine radios, and safety equipment is essential. Leadership, quick decision-making, and effective communication distinguish outstanding captains. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel, efficient voyage planning, and successful sailing operations.

What are some common challenges sailing captains face when managing a crew on longer voyages?

Sailing Captains often encounter challenges related to crew dynamics and morale, especially during extended trips. Maintaining clear communication, establishing routines, and ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities are essential for smooth operations. Captains must also be prepared to handle unexpected weather changes, mechanical issues, and potential conflicts among crew members. Developing strong leadership skills and adaptability is crucial for fostering a positive and efficient working environment at sea.

What is the difference between Sailing Captain vs Marine Engineer?

AspectSailing CaptainMarine Engineer
CredentialsCaptain's license, STCW certificationMarine engineering degree, STCW certification
Work EnvironmentOnboard sailing vessels, yachts, shipsEngine rooms, ship machinery, technical facilities
Industry UsageMaritime, yachting, cruise linesShipbuilding, maintenance, repair

The Sailing Captain primarily oversees navigation, safety, and crew management on vessels, while the Marine Engineer focuses on maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and technical systems. Both roles require STCW certification and are essential in maritime operations, but they differ in daily responsibilities and technical expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Sailing Captain jobs in Alaska?

For Sailing Captain jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sailing Captain jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Sailing Captain jobs in Alaska are:

Sailing Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sailing Captain job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,550 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Captain

Juneau, AK • On-site

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures
See more jobs at Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventuresexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

ABOUT UNCRUISE
At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, and Costa Rica.
8/7/2026 Hiring Update - UnCruise Adventures is seeking an experienced Captain to join our team beginning with the Fall 2026 shipyard period at Fishermen's Terminal in Seattle, with the opportunity to continue into the 2027 Alaska sailing season.
PERKS
  • Heath care benefits (medical, dental, vision)
  • 401k with employer match (qualifications required)
  • Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
  • Travel provided to and from the vessel
  • Rotation schedule

JOB SUMMARY
The Captain in the key leader of the Vessel Leadership Team (VLT - a group of leaders assigned to lead all aspects of each vessel). The Captain directly oversees onboard managers, and indirectly manages crew, ensuring the safe and professional delivery of UnCruise Adventures' published cruise products. The Captain provides excellent and proven leadership, safety, and communications skills with all company employees, partners, vendors, and travel industry professionals. This position reports to the Director of Nautical Operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum of 5 years experience as either Captain or 1st Mate on passenger-carrying vessels.
  • Extensive experience in the operations of vessels in diverse waters such as Southeast Alaska, the Snake and Columbia Rivers, the Gulf of California, Mexico and Hawaii.
  • Ability to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations.
  • Excellent crisis management skills: works well under pressure, and acts quickly and decisively using sound judgment.
  • Supervisory experience in maritime environment required. Additional supervisory oversight of hotel operations strongly preferred.
  • Proficient user of computer systems, with the ability to utilize MS software applications in a Windows environment.
  • Able to troubleshoot, act quickly with confidence, and make sound decisions while exercising good judgment
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively present sensitive information in one-on-one situations, and comfort with public speaking in group situations.
  • Excellent written English language skills, with the ability to prepare professional documents and reports in a timely manner.
  • Maintain professional demeanor at all time.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Valid Passport
  • CPR / First Aid / AED
  • Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector (Company provided)
  • Medical Certificate
  • Radar Observer Unlimited
  • USCG 100GRT Master License - (Near Coastal License required for all Alaska and Safari Explorer Hawaii itineraries. Oceans license required for Safari Explorer Hawaii Repo)
  • FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
  • Valid TWIC
  • Advanced Medical Training (e.g. Med Care Provider, WFR, EMT) *Preferred, not required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: CREW MANAGEMENT/TRAINING
  • Directly supervise Chief Engineer, 1st Mate, 2nd Mate, Hotel Manager, and Expedition Leader (reports may vary depending on route/vessel). Indirectly supervise all crew assigned to the vessel.
  • Respond in a timely manner to all concerns, complaints, and allegations, and conducts investigations as necessary. Notify shore-side managers of potentially escalating problems.
  • Assist in the training and development of all direct reports. 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 members. Ensure that other managers and officers complete mid-season and end-of-season reviews of assigned staff.
  • Coach, discipline, and/or terminate crew as necessary in a timely and appropriate manner, seek the guidance and support of shore-side managers in Seattle as needed.
  • Conduct weekly informational meetings with the staff, officers and crew.
  • Maintain professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials, and the public.
  • Through the Officers, oversee the management, operation, maintenance, and repair of the vessel.
  • Participate in shore-side training as required by the company.
  • Participate in guest activities such as dining with guests and acts as UnCruise Adventures representative in communities/ports where vessel visits.
  • Ensure delivery of Company programming directives including Next Adventure, shore excursions, onboard programs, presentations, and off-vessel excursions as defined in company training program.
  • Distribute all information to and from officers, crew, staff, guests, and the Seattle office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: SAFETY/NAVIGATION/COMPLIANCE/FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
  • Perform bridge navigation during specified periods. Determine geographical position of the ship, using all available means such as GPS, radar ranges, visual observations, depth sounders, etc.
  • Record necessary entries in navigation and radio logs.
  • Handle the vessel in docking, anchoring, piloting, en route, in close quarters and open sea conditions.
  • Ensure vessel compliance to company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and requests supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.
  • Navigate vessel to ensure avoidance of marine hazards such as reefs, outlying shoals, shallow waters, etc., using aids to navigation such as lights, lighthouses, and buoys.
  • Drive inflatable boats as necessary.
  • Oversee and assists with loading guests, staff, and crew in and out of inflatable boats.
  • Oversee the security of the vessel both at sea and at dock; ensures gangway watch is posted at all times while at dock.
  • Coordinate off-ship emergency medical aid. Assist the 1st Mate in administering first aid treatment and in documenting medical incident reports.
  • Oversee safety briefings for guests and coordinates on-board instructive drills for guests, staff and crew.
  • Conduct periodic inspections to ensure that crew and guests observe regulations pertaining to safe vessel operation
  • Prepare the vessel for, and attend all U.S. Coast Guard annual dry-docks and other inspections as required.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory agency directives affecting vessel operations including U.S. Coast Guard, Center for Disease Control, public lands/waters agencies, and others.
  • Oversee all drug and alcohol testing as required by the U.S. Coast Guard and Company policy.
  • Ensure compliance with the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.
  • Oversee all reporting of vessel incidents (hull, crew, staff, and guest).
  • Oversee all accounting reports, time cards, inventory, and requisitions.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE
  • Living Conditions - Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
  • Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
  • Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
  • DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
  • Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
  • Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.

BASE PAY
  • Summer sailing season wage range is based on vessel placement: $415 - $487 / day
  • Non-sailing shipyard work at 40 hours / week: $45.00 - $50.00 /hr depending on experience

Pay Range
$415-$487 USD
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.

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