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Ship Captain Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL · On-site

$26/hr

Involves shipboard operations, rigging for helicopter operations, and deck seamanship. Bowhead ... Captains essential duties: Safety of crew and vessel. * Ensures safety equipment is utilized and ...

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL · On-site

Involves shipboard operations, rigging for helicopter operations, and deck seamanship. Bowhead ... Captains essential duties: Safety of crew and vessel. * Ensures safety equipment is utilized and ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

Childersburg, AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

Auburn, AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

Sylacauga, AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

Cullman, AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

Gadsden, AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

Wetumpka, AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

Sylacauga, AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

Talladega, AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

KFC

Assistant Manager

AL · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY You are a heartbeat away from ship's captain. As member of the management team, you shape the culture of the restaurant. It will carry your imprint. In the absence of the Restaurant ...

L&M Botruc Rental LLC

Be Seen First

Offshore Supply Vessel Captain

Mobile, AL · On-site

$625 - $725/day

The Captain will be responsible for the safe navigation, vessel handling, and overall operation of ... Train, mentor, and evaluate shipboard personnel to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.

ORION

Boat Captain

Mobile, AL · On-site

Coast Guard, ships, tugboats, etc. * Performs daily safety inspections of the tugboat and ... Position Requirements At least three (3) years of experience as a Boat Captain is required, along ...

New

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Licensed

Mobile, AL · On-site

Engineers report directly to the ship's Captain regarding daily vessel operations and maintenance, while coordinating repairs, professional development, scheduling, training, and mentoring in ...

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Licensed

Mobile, AL · On-site

Engineers report directly to the ship's Captain regarding daily vessel operations and maintenance, while coordinating repairs, professional development, scheduling, training, and mentoring in ...

American Cruise Lines

Deckhand

Florence, AL · On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

... Ships. Responsibilities: * Handling lines, gangways, anchors, and marine equipment under the guidance of Captains and Mates. * Responsible for daily exterior cleaning, line handling, and logistic ...

American Cruise Lines

Deckhand

Florence, AL · On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

... Ships. Responsibilities: * Handling lines, gangways, anchors, and marine equipment under the guidance of Captains and Mates. * Responsible for daily exterior cleaning, line handling, and logistic ...

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All JobsShip Captain JobsShip Captain Jobs in Alabama

Ship Captain information

See Alabama salary details

$14

$23

$43

How much do ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship captain in Alabama is $23.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $29.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship captain?

A ship captain is responsible for the safe operation and navigation of a sea vessel such as a ferry, barge, tugboat, or cruise ship. In this career, you must ensure its seaworthiness and follow all safety protocols for your passengers before setting sail. You also manage a large crew, ensuring that each crew member understands your policies. Other duties include setting the ship course, giving commands to your crew, and supervising the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers. You record all relevant information regarding each voyage, including the course and speed of the boat and weather conditions. Other responsibilities include maintaining equipment, like engines, navigational systems, and life preservers, and signaling passing vessels.

What does a ship captain do?

A Ship Captain, also known as a Master or Captain, is responsible for the overall operation and safety of a vessel and its crew. Their duties include navigating and steering the ship, ensuring compliance with maritime laws, overseeing cargo operations, and managing onboard emergencies. Captains also supervise officers and crew, maintain detailed records and logs, and communicate with port authorities. Their leadership is crucial for the successful and safe completion of each voyage.

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

To thrive as a Ship Captain, you need extensive maritime knowledge, navigational expertise, and a valid captain's license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, GPS technology, and safety management protocols is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication skills help manage the crew and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, compliance with international regulations, and the well-being of all onboard.

What are some common challenges faced by ship captains during long voyages, and how are they typically managed?

One of the main challenges Ship Captains face during extended voyages is maintaining crew morale and operational efficiency in isolated and sometimes unpredictable environments. Captains must also manage navigation through changing weather conditions and ensure strict compliance with international maritime regulations. Effective communication, decisive leadership, and adaptability are crucial in addressing issues such as equipment malfunctions, time zone changes, and emergency situations. Regular safety drills, clear delegation of duties, and fostering a supportive team atmosphere help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Ship Captain vs Ship Engineer?

AspectShip CaptainShip Engineer
CredentialsSTCW Master License, maritime certificationsSTCW Engineer License, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentBridge, deck operations, navigationEngine room, machinery maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, maritime industryShip operators, maritime industry
Primary ResponsibilitiesNavigation, safety, crew managementEngine maintenance, machinery operation

While both Ship Captains and Ship Engineers work onboard ships within the maritime industry, the Ship Captain primarily oversees navigation, safety, and crew management, requiring a Master License. In contrast, the Ship Engineer focuses on maintaining and operating the ship's engines and machinery, holding an Engineer License. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient vessel operation but differ in their technical focus and responsibilities.

Is a ship captain a good career?

A ship captain is a high-responsibility role that involves overseeing vessel operations, navigation, and crew management. It requires extensive training, certifications such as a captain's license, and the ability to work long hours often at sea for extended periods. The career offers opportunities for advancement and travel but also involves significant responsibility and potential risks.
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Ship Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Captain job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,435 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Captain

Fairhope, AL • On-site

Bowhead
1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Bowheadexternal

$26/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
CAPTAIN - 100 Ton (MOB-2026-24393):
Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes for part-time Captains to operate a 32' high speed vessel during training operations at Mobile Bay. Position is located in Baldwin County, Fairhope, Alabama.
Responsibilities
LOCATION: Vessel departs and returns from Fairhope, Alabama (Baldwin County). Due to the mission requirements for this task order, ONLY local Baldwin County residents capable of responding/arriving to assigned dock location in a timely manner will be considered.
Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Monitors preparation of vessel and equipment.
  • Ensures safe and effective operation of the vessel.

Bowhead Marine Support Services is seeking part time on call Captains to support ship readiness and operations for the US Coast Guard's Aviation Training Center (ATC). The ATC's mission is to train and produce mission-ready aircrews and develop aviation capabilities. Involves shipboard operations, rigging for helicopter operations, and deck seamanship. Bowhead operates the M/V Andale'. classified as a 32' high speed landing craft used in "special missions" supporting Homeland Security waterway operations. The Andale' has two missions that you would support, tactical boat maneuvers and aerial delivery recovery. This is an opportunity to serve and support the training and development of a pilot's skills in tactical maneuvering and search and rescue.
Captains essential duties:
Safety of crew and vessel.
  • Ensures safety equipment is utilized and appropriate guidelines are followed for all tasks involving physical risk or hazardous materials.
  • Knowledge of shipboard safety procedures and use of all firefighting and safety equipment, highly desired.
  • Participate in meetings, training, drills and safety audits as required.
  • Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience operating twin outboard powered vessels greater than 30 feet in length required.
  • Local resident of Baldwin County preferred due to location of vessels and mission activity.
  • Military experience preferred. Coast Guard or Navy experience highly desired.
  • General PC knowledge required including; spreadsheet software, word processing software and knowledge of MS Office Suite.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
  • Individual should have stability under pressure and have the ability to withstand the stresses associated with the job's physical demands, potentially hazardous situations, and unpredictable weather.

Physical Demands: The work environment varies and includes, but is not limited to: dock, port, bay, waterways, office space, equipment rooms, warehouse space, construction zones, and outdoor environments. Work hours may fluctuate outside of normal duty hours. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is:
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle, move, manipulate or feel objects, talk and/or hear.
  • Frequently required to stand and/or walk and routinely required to reach with hands and arms.
  • Routinely required to stand, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or squat.
  • Frequently lifts and /or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 75 pounds.
  • Occasionally lifts and/or moves 75-100 pounds with the assistance of deckhands and/or heavy lifting equipment.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: There are currently no Security Clearance requirements for this position. Due to the location of this work, US Citizenship is required. Bowhead reserves the right to change this requirement if necessitated by business needs or contractual obligations.

Apply