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Sea Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the role The Deckhand supports the Vessel Captain and crew in the safe and efficient ... Land & Sea is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices, including, but ...

The captain is a USCG licensed officer who serves as the backup to the vessel captain. Captains ... Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations ...

The captain is a USCG licensed officer who serves as the backup to the vessel captain. Captains ... Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations ...

About the role The Deckhand supports the Vessel Captain and crew in the safe and efficient ... Land & Sea is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices, including, but ...

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Sea Captain information

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$9

$37

$76

How much do sea captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sea captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sea captain?

Sea captains, also known as ship captains or masters, are licensed professionals responsible for commanding and navigating ships and vessels at sea. They oversee the crew, ensure the safety of the ship and its cargo, and comply with maritime laws and regulations. Sea captains also handle navigation, communication, and emergency situations, making important decisions to ensure successful voyages. Their role requires extensive training, experience, and certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sea captain?

To thrive as a Sea Captain, you need extensive maritime knowledge, navigation expertise, and typically hold a Merchant Mariner Credential or similar captain’s license. Proficiency with navigation systems like GPS, radar, ECDIS, and ship management software is standard, along with certifications in safety and emergency procedures. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing crew and ensuring smooth operations at sea. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and the successful management of maritime voyages.

What are some common challenges sea captains face while managing a vessel and crew on long voyages?

Sea Captains often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, mechanical issues, and managing a diverse crew in confined spaces for extended periods. Effective communication and strong leadership skills are crucial for maintaining morale and ensuring safety. Captains must also stay updated on maritime regulations and coordinate closely with port authorities and company management, making adaptability and problem-solving essential traits for success in this role.

What is the difference between Sea Captain vs Marine Engineer?

AspectSea CaptainMarine Engineer
CredentialsCaptain's license, maritime certificationsEngineering degree, marine engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentBridge of ships, navigation, crew managementEngine rooms, machinery maintenance, technical operations
Industry UsageShipping companies, cruise lines, cargo vesselsShipbuilding, maintenance, repair, and operation

While both Sea Captains and Marine Engineers work on ships, Sea Captains primarily oversee navigation and crew management, whereas Marine Engineers focus on maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and systems. Both roles require maritime certifications and are essential for safe and efficient vessel operation, but they differ in daily responsibilities and technical expertise.

How do you become a sea captain?

To become a sea captain, you typically need to gain experience at sea, obtain necessary licenses such as a Master Mariner license, and complete maritime training and certifications. Progression usually involves starting as a deck officer, accumulating sea time, and passing exams administered by maritime authorities.

How much money do sea captains make?

Sea captains typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and the industry. Higher salaries are common for captains of large ships or those working in specialized sectors such as oil or cruise industries, often requiring certifications and extensive maritime training.
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What states have the most Sea Captain jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Sea Captain jobs?

For Sea Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sea Captain job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Sea Tow Towing Captain (Southern Maine)

Boothbay, ME • On-site

Marina Holdings
201 - 500 employees

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Sea Tow Assistance Towing Captain

Sea Tow Portland/MidCoast is looking for U.S. Coast Guard licensed Assistance Towing Captains to join our team to provide marine assistance based out of South Portland, Naples, Kennebunk, Bath and Boothbay, Maine. Helping boaters is at the core of who we are and what we do. If you are customer service-oriented, love spending time on the water, and are detail and safety-oriented – a Sea Tow Captain position is ideal. We offer flexible scheduling. This part-time or full-time seasonal position may require weekend hours as needed. We promote continuing education/training at Sea Tow and provide mentors in a fun, friendly work environment.

A Sea Tow Assistance Towing Captain is primarily responsible for operating a Sea Tow vessel, navigating waterways to respond to calls for assistance from boaters in distress, providing towing services, and ensuring the safety of both the towed vessel and its own crew while adhering to maritime regulations. The captain also maintains excellent customer service with boat owners, particularly Sea Tow members.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Responding to calls for assistance: Receiving dispatch calls from the Supervisor and promptly navigating to the location of the distressed boat.
  • Performing towing operations: Securely attach the towed vessel to the Sea Tow boat and safely maneuver it to a designated marina or safe harbor.
  • On-water assessments: Evaluating the situation of the disabled boat, identifying potential hazards, and determining the best course of action for towing.
  • Basic mechanical troubleshooting: Minor repairs or adjustments should be made to the distressed vessel to restore operation when possible.
  • Customer interaction: Communicating clearly with boat owners, explaining the towing process, and addressing concerns.
  • Maintaining vessel safety: Regularly inspecting the Sea Tow boat, ensuring all safety equipment is in working order, and adhering to maritime safety regulations.
  • Log keeping and reporting: Documenting towing details, including time, location, vessel information, and any relevant incidents.
  • Greet customers in a friendly, upbeat, courteous, and professional manner.
  • Maintain a calm, positive attitude and constantly meet high-quality, impeccable customer service standards.
  • Familiarize oneself with local waters to provide key local knowledge tips and essential chart guidance.

Skills & Requirements:

  • US Coast Guard Captain's License: Minimum requirement of Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV), and Assistance Towing Endorsement.
  • Pass a pre-employment drug test and submit to enrollment in a random drug testing program
  • Experience in boating operations: Extensive experience handling various types of boats in different weather conditions.
  • Navigation skills: Proficient knowledge of local waterways, including charts, aids to navigation, and marine weather interpretation.
  • Mechanical aptitude: Basic understanding of boat mechanics to troubleshoot minor issues.
  • Excellent customer service skills: Ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively with boat owners, and provide a positive experience. Promote membership growth by speaking with non-members about what Sea Tow offers.
  • Seeking a candidate with a positive outlook, a strong work ethic, and a great team player with a cooperative attitude in working with supervisors and fellow employees.
  • Must be a self-starter and capable of working unsupervised.
  • Organized with a high attention to detail and adhere to all safety policies.
  • Physical ability to lift/carry up to 30 lbs. and be able to board/un-board boats.
  • This position requires the employee to spend significant time outside in all weather conditions, and weekend shifts are required as needed.
  • Prior towing captain experience is a plus, but we will train
  • Must be available to work four shifts a month

Education and/or Experience - The candidate must hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard Captain License (OUPV) with an Assistance Towing endorsement.

Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk, stoop, kneel, and talk or listen. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities this job requires include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, harsh weather, and rough seas.

About Sea Tow

Since 1983, Sea Tow has been offering on-water assistance to boaters. With a Sea Tow membership, boaters pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available 24/7/365. Members receive priority services, including boat towing, dock-to-dock towing, nationwide coverage, fuel delivery, battery jump starts, exclusive member savings, and more. Our crew of licensed Coast Guard Captains have an average response time of under an hour. Always ready to help, they regularly patrol and assist boaters in Maine waters from York to Pemaquid Point, Inland Rivers, Sebago Lake, Brandy Pond, and Long Lake.

Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast Towing Captains are based out of the following locations: Spring Point Marina, 1 Spring Point Drive in South Portland; Moose Landing Marina in the Sebago Lakes Region, 32 Moose Landing Trail in Naples; Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St in Bath: Hodgdon Yacht Services Southport Boatyard, 100 Ebenecook Road in Southport; and DiMillo's Marina, 4 Doans Wharf Rd. in Kennebunk.

Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast is an entity of Marina Holdings LLC located at 72 Lafayette St, Yarmouth, ME 04096

Marina Holdings, LLC is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.

Salary Description $21.50 - $24.50 per hour (Depending on Experience)