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Ship Captain Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KFC

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Susanville, CA · 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 ...

The Dutra Group

Able-Bodied Seaman

San Rafael, CA

$506.97/day

Language Ability: ability to effectively communicate and respond to questions from ship captain and deck crew. * Reasoning Ability: ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out ...

Hornblower

Captain - Alcatraz Cruises

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$61.83/hr

The Captain operates a United States Coast Guard (USCG) inspected small passenger vessel under ... Maintain vessel operations and maintenance logs, personnel reports, and other required ship ...

Dutra Group

Able-Bodied Seaman

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$506.97/day

Language Ability: ability to effectively communicate and respond to questions from ship captain and deck crew. * Reasoning Ability: ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out ...

New

Republic Services

Assistant Captain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

The Assistant Captain is responsible for operating ships and water vessels in oceans, bays, lakes, rivers or coastal waters. The incumbent conducts thorough inspections of vessels and peripheral ...

Republic Services

Assistant Captain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

The Assistant Captain is responsible for operating ships and water vessels in oceans, bays, lakes, rivers or coastal waters. The incumbent conducts thorough inspections of vessels and peripheral ...

Republic Services

Assistant Captain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

The Assistant Captain is responsible for operating ships and water vessels in oceans, bays, lakes, rivers or coastal waters. The incumbent conducts thorough inspections of vessels and peripheral ...

Astrion

Junior Ship Master

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Overview JUNIOR SHIP MASTER LOCATION: San Diego CA JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Must hold or be ... Junior Captain for the  USV Operations and Sustainment program  supporting Astrion   Navy ...

Astrion

Junior Ship Master

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Overview JUNIOR SHIP MASTER LOCATION: San Diego CA JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Must hold or be ... for a Junior Captain for the USV Operations and Sustainment program supporting Astrion Navy ...

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All JobsShip Captain JobsShip Captain Jobs in California

Ship Captain information

See California salary details

$15

$25

$46

How much do ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship captain in California is $25.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $32.26 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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For Ship Captain jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Ship Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Captain job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,827 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Captain

Havasu Landing Resort and Casino

Havasu Lake, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Position Title:  Captain
Position Type: On Call
Department:    Chemehuevi Transportation Authority / Ferry Operations
Salary Range: DOE
Position Summary:
The primary responsibility of this position is to oversee the operation and safety of vessel, crew and guests. The captain will work with the Sr. Captain and Resort General Manager to ensure the highest level of passenger customer service and safety. The captain will direct passenger vessel personnel in the safe and efficient operations of the Havasu Landing Resort passenger vessels by performing the following duties below personally or through a subordinate crew. 
Duties and Responsibilities:            
  • Follow establish operational procedures for activities such as, observing USCG procedures, navigating the vessels safely and conduct ongoing safety/firefighting/man-overboard drills.
  • Must respond to and render aid in safety/firefighting/man-overboard situations per USCG.
  • Direct deckhands to lookout and helm duties as needed.
  • Supervise boarding procedures to ensure safety and security at gate and gangway.
  • Inform guests over PA system of safety issues.
  • Oversee safety briefings for passenger departures and arrivals.
  • Maintain order and guest safety on the boats.
  • Report mechanical problems to the Maintenance Department and Sr. Captain where appropriate.
  • Must be able to address passenger complaints and resolve problems during vessel operations.
  • Document onboard medical incidents and passenger issues in ship’s log or incident reports, as needed.
  • Inform Sr. Captain and Havasu Landing Casino of variance from normal operations due to mechanical or weather issues.
  • Throughout the work day, at beginning and at ending of shifts; maintain clean passenger spaces i.e. trash, common areas, pilot house and gangways.
  • Must be able to perform any and all other duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications:
  • Some College preferred.
  • STCW Basic Safety Training preferred.
  • STCW Crowd Management preferred.
  • Radar Observer endorsement preferred.
  • Must hold a 100 ton USCG Master’s License.
  • A valid issued TWIC card .
  • Preferred at least 2 years in piloting a commercial vessel.
  • First Aid/CPR Certification required.
  • Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, verify facts and draw valid conclusions.
  • Must have the ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in verbal, written, oral, mathematical and diagram form .
  • Previous experience as a Captain preferable, but previous experience as a Deckhand is a must.
  • Should have a thorough mechanical knowledge of boats and their operations.
  • Previous customer service essential, preferably on passenger boats.
  • Ability to command and perform multiple tasks under pressure.
  • Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintaining instructions and procedures manuals.
  • Must have the ability to write routine reports and correspondence, and to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
  • Must be flexible and able to change schedule as required by weather and other factors.
Physical:
  • Pass USCG pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug tests.
  • Must meet USCG physical examination requirements.
  • Must be able to climb steep stairs, sit or stand for long periods of time and able to fit and climb through 24 inch deck hatch.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, bend, stretch, pull, climb and crawl without restrictions
  • Must have good vision (corrected to 20/20).
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance

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