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Ship Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prevailance

Damage Control Inspector

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

... Control Inspector (DCI) assesses and trains ship's crew on DC organization, equipment, and ... The position provides technical guidance to ship's force personnel, maintenance activities ...

Prevailance

Damage Control Inspector

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

... Control Inspector (DCI) assesses and trains ship's crew on DC organization, equipment, and ... The position provides technical guidance to ship's force personnel, maintenance activities ...

TMMG

(C) Marine Gas Turbine Inspector (MGTI)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Marine Gas Turbine Inspector should satisfy the following skill, knowledge, and experience require • Extensive Navy technical management experience on multiple ships • Extensive experience as ...

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How much do ship inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship inspector in California is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Ship Inspector position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ship Inspector, you need a solid understanding of maritime regulations, ship construction, and safety standards, typically supported by relevant engineering or maritime qualifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, digital reporting systems, and accreditation from organizations like ABS, DNV, or Lloyd’s Register is often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are key soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure thorough inspections, accurate reporting, and compliance with safety and legal requirements in a critical, safety-focused industry.

What are some of the typical challenges a Ship Inspector faces during inspections?

Ship Inspectors often work in diverse and sometimes challenging environments, conducting thorough assessments in tight spaces, at heights, or in adverse weather conditions. They must navigate varying ship designs and technologies, ensuring compliance with ever-evolving safety and regulatory standards. Communication with ship crews, owners, and regulatory agencies is a regular part of the job, requiring both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Adapting to tight schedules while maintaining meticulous attention to detail is crucial, as any oversight could impact vessel safety and operational efficiency.

How much do yacht inspectors make?

Yacht inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior inspectors or those working for large or luxury yachts may earn higher salaries, and the job often requires knowledge of marine systems and safety standards.

How to become a ship inspector?

To become a ship inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification in maritime inspection, such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). Relevant skills include knowledge of safety regulations, inspection procedures, and familiarity with maritime tools and equipment; some positions may require prior experience in shipping or marine environments.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the shipping industry, marine or vessel inspectors tend to earn higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge required and the complexity of maritime regulations. Senior inspectors with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership roles also typically receive higher pay. Factors such as industry, location, and certifications influence salary levels for ship inspectors.

What does a ship inspector do?

A ship inspector examines ships to ensure they meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. They inspect hulls, machinery, safety equipment, and documentation, often using specialized tools and following industry certifications. Their work helps maintain vessel safety and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is a Ship Inspector job?

A Ship Inspector is responsible for examining ships to ensure they meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. They inspect various aspects, including structural integrity, machinery, safety equipment, and compliance with international and local maritime laws. Ship Inspectors often work for classification societies, government agencies, or private firms, conducting routine and specialized inspections. Their role helps prevent accidents, protect the environment, and ensure vessels are seaworthy.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Inspector jobs in California? For Ship Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ship Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Inspector jobs in California are:
Ship Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Inspector job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,159 per year, or $27 per hour.
Surface Ship Marine Gas Turbine Inspector MGTI

Surface Ship Marine Gas Turbine Inspector MGTI

Core Services Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago

Job description

Role Overview:
Core Services Group is seeking an experienced Marine Gas Turbine Inspector with experience on U.S. Navy surface platforms and Navy Staffs to support the Navy Readiness Assistance Training Team (RATT) for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) in San Diego, CA. RATT is a Type Commander (TYCOM) asset employed to provide timely direct support to ships, tailored to the ship's needs and requirements. RATT ship visits are intended to significantly enhance a ship's organic proficiency and capabilities for a discrete period of time as added capability to conduct training, and address material issues. RATT provides proficient subject matter experts to conduct Sailor centric deck-plate training, material review, program auditing, and naval readiness support to enhance overall proficiency and material readiness through recommendations to the ship and staff to enhance CNSP ship's readiness to conduct sustained operations at sea in support of the nation's strategic objectives.
An ideal candidate has at least two tours as a Navy Marine Gas Turbine Inspector with Navy surface ship maintenance processes, as well as significant experience with gas turbine main propulsion as an Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plan Watch Officer, Chief Engineer, or equivalent.
This position is contingent upon contract award, anticipated for October 2026.
Typical Responsibilities. This position’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 
  • Coordinate, schedule, and conduct ship training visits for the purpose of improving Sailor proficiency in the operation and maintenance of ships systems through targeted training and aiding ship's leadership in assessing material condition and readiness program efficacy.
  • Compile, curate, develop, and provide training resources (references and curriculum) for ship systems, required programs, technical watchstanding, installed equipment, and maintenance management for use in classroom and deckplate training for ship's force and RATT personnel.
  • Teach and reinforce sound shipboard operating principles and processes through leadership by example and deckplate training.
  • Conduct comprehensive material condition assessments for installed equipment, portable equipment, safety gear, ship systems, and ship structure.
  • Review and assess ship's preventive and corrective maintenance and operating processes and procedures for ship systems, installed equipment, and associated evolutions.
  • Advise ship's leadership regarding crew proficiency, material condition, maintenance practices, and required program efficacy.
Primary Work Location: Full time onsite in San Diego, CA.
Anticipated Travel:
  • This position involves up to 35% travel, including travel to overseas/OCONUS locations, in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
  • Common travel destinations include, but are not limited to: Everett, WA; Pearl Harbor, HI; Sasebo, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; and Singapore.
Typical Physical Activity:
  • The ability to work in a variety of shipboard environments (e.g., navigate tight or confined spaces, ladders, hatches, in crew spaces and engineering spaces).
  • Must be physically able to climb up/down a pilot’s ladder to board/embark and debark a naval vessel underway at sea and stay onboard on a U.S. Naval vessel for days at a time.
  • Desk/computer work in an office environment and hands-on technical or instructor work in a waterfront/shipboard environment.
Typical Pay Range: The anticipated pay range for this position in the identified location(s) is $90,000 – 110,000/year. Actual compensation offered will be based upon individual factors, including education, qualifications, and experience.
SECRET Security Clearance Required: This position requires an active or interim Secret security clearance prior to hire. 
Only U.S. citizens will be considered for this position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory experience in analyses, information system operations, and implementation of technical projects relevant to RATT.
  • Extensive Navy technical management experience on multiple ships.
  • Extensive experience as shipboard Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) on multiple Gas Turbine ships.
  • Extensive experience (at least 2 tours) as a Navy Marine Gas Turbine Inspector with Navy surface ship maintenance processes.
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory-level watchstanding experience on warships or military auxiliaries with gas turbine main propulsion as Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Officer, Chief Engineer, or equivalent, responsible for overall propulsion plant operations and associated control and auxiliary systems.
  • Extensive experience conducting marine gas turbine inspections on surface warships or military auxiliaries with qualifications and certification as or equivalent to a Navy Marine Gas Turbine Inspector.
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five (5) years, with gas turbine main propulsion, gas turbine generators, associated control systems, and associated auxiliaries currently in use by the Navy.
Plus:
  • Proficient with common productivity software, including the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and support fast-paced operational environments. 
  • Excellent personnel management, working group, and team leadership skills, as well as working alongside sailors and officers of varying experience and seniority.
  • Excellent communication skills to include briefing Commanding Officers and other mid-grade to senior leadership in person and in writing.
Additional Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  
  • At least twenty-five (25) years of relevant experience is highly desirable.