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Ship Captain Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SkipperBud's

Dock Attendant

Fenton, MI

$13.25 - $15.50/hr

... Captains Direct Reports: N/A KEY TASKS: * Able to assist customers with docking and tying of ... Coordinate with the Ships Store/Marina or Parts Manager to ensure proper inventory levels of fuel ...

SkipperBud's

Dock Attendant

Fenton, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15.50/hr

... Captains Direct Reports: N/A KEY TASKS: * Able to assist customers with docking and tying of ... Coordinate with the Ships Store/Marina or Parts Manager to ensure proper inventory levels of fuel ...

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$13

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$41

How much do ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship captain in Michigan is $22.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $28.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a ship captain pay?

Ship captains typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and the employer. Salaries can vary based on the type of shipping, certifications, and the region where they work, with some captains earning higher pay on large cargo ships or cruise vessels.

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.

Is ship captain a good career?

A ship captain is a senior maritime professional responsible for navigating and managing a vessel, often requiring extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills. The career offers opportunities for travel and advancement but involves long hours, time away from home, and safety responsibilities. It can be financially rewarding but demands rigorous training and adherence to regulations.

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 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 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 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.

Who is the highest paid ship captain?

The highest paid ship captains typically work in the oil tanker, cruise ship, or large cargo vessel industries, with salaries reaching up to $200,000 or more annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, the size and type of vessel, and the employer's location. Senior captains with extensive experience and specialized skills tend to earn the highest salaries in the maritime industry.

How do you become a captain on a ship?

To become a ship captain, you typically need to gain experience as a deck officer by working on ships and obtaining necessary certifications such as a Master Mariner license. This process involves accumulating sea time, passing exams, and demonstrating leadership and navigation skills. Advancement depends on experience, training, and meeting regulatory requirements set by maritime authorities.
More about Ship Captain jobs
What are popular job titles related to Ship Captain jobs in Michigan? For Ship Captain jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ship Captain jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Captain jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Ship Captain jobs in MI? For Ship Captain jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Ship Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Captain job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,538 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Great Lakes Master (Captain)

Grand River Navigation Company

Traverse City, MI

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description

Come Sail with us on the Great Lakes!


If you are looking to become part of our team that strongly values safety, efficient operations, a family-oriented environment, come sail with us! Grand River Navigation has one of the best leave and rotation systems on the Great Lakes. With unprecedented teamwork and some of the most talented colleagues in the industry we can guarantee you will enjoy a career with us!  


Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime. We are one of the largest marine transportation service providers operating on the Great Lakes today with a combined fleet of 15 bulk freight vessels that provide service to over 50 customers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.  


Competitive total rewards package including income, paid travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with best-in-class rotation.  We have many education opportunities and upgrade bonuses to support career growth at a pace that is right for each individual. 


Great Lakes Ship Captain (Master) - Key Duties & Responsibilities:


  • Maintain ultimate command and accountability for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
  • Ensure the seaworthiness, safety, security, and operational readiness of the vessel, equipment, cargo, and crew.
  • Safely navigate and maneuver the vessel throughout Great Lakes waterways, ports, locks, and restricted channels.
  • Serve as the Company's representative and primary authority onboard, overseeing all vessel operations and decision-making.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, company policies, environmental standards, and maritime industry best practices.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop crew members while fostering a professional, safety-focused, and positive work environment.
  • Direct emergency response activities and make critical operational decisions to protect personnel, cargo, the vessel, and the environment.
  • Oversee voyage planning, risk assessment, cargo operations, vessel security, and safe work practices.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.


Why Choose Grand River Navigation?

  • As an employee you are part of the Mainstay Maritime family where Teamwork and safety are a core value
  • Highly competitive wages and benefits including medical, dental, vision, company paid long-term and short-term disability and life insurance, 401K with company match.
  • Excellent safety record

Requirements

  • Valid passport and allowed entry into the Canada
  • Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the USCG
  • Endorsement as Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes and Inland Waters (Minimum) 
  • First Class Pilot of Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes between Duluth, Gary, Buffalo and Port Weller to Cape Vincent
  • Certification as Ship Security Officer
  • Transportation Worker Identification (TWIC) issued by TSA
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills as well as the ability to multi-task

Grand River Navigation is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also comply with Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Rights Employee Polygraph Protection Act. 

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