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Shipboard Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Delaware, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army structures, but also aboard aircraft and ships. You'll supervise and conduct firefighting, rescue, salvage, and fire protection operations, and you ...

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Saint Albans, WV · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army structures, but also aboard aircraft and ships. You'll supervise and conduct firefighting, rescue, salvage, and fire protection operations, and you ...

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Portsmouth, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army structures, but also aboard aircraft and ships. You'll supervise and conduct firefighting, rescue, salvage, and fire protection operations, and you ...

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Newark, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army structures, but also aboard aircraft and ships. You'll supervise and conduct firefighting, rescue, salvage, and fire protection operations, and you ...

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Zanesville, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army structures, but also aboard aircraft and ships. You'll supervise and conduct firefighting, rescue, salvage, and fire protection operations, and you ...

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Columbus, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army structures, but also aboard aircraft and ships. You'll supervise and conduct firefighting, rescue, salvage, and fire protection operations, and you ...

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Columbus, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army structures, but also aboard aircraft and ships. You'll supervise and conduct firefighting, rescue, salvage, and fire protection operations, and you ...

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Shipboard Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do shipboard firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for shipboard firefighter in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipboard firefighter?

Shipboard firefighters are specialized emergency personnel trained to prevent, control, and extinguish fires that occur on ships or other marine vessels. They are responsible for protecting the safety of crew, passengers, cargo, and the vessel itself during fire emergencies at sea or in port. Shipboard firefighters must be familiar with maritime fire hazards, firefighting equipment, and procedures specific to marine environments. Their training includes handling hazardous materials, operating in confined spaces, and coordinating with ship officers and emergency teams. This role is critical due to the unique challenges of fighting fires at sea, where help from shore may not be immediately available.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a shipboard firefighter?

To thrive as a Shipboard Firefighter, you need comprehensive knowledge of fire prevention, suppression tactics, and maritime safety protocols, usually backed by specialized firefighting and maritime safety certifications. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and shipboard emergency systems is crucial. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure quick, coordinated responses to emergencies at sea, protecting lives and minimizing damage in high-risk environments.

What unique challenges do shipboard firefighters face compared to land-based firefighters?

Shipboard Firefighters often work in confined, maze-like environments where access to fires can be restricted and evacuation routes are limited. They must be prepared to fight fires at sea, far from outside assistance, and deal with hazards like hazardous cargo or rapidly changing ship stability. Teamwork and communication are critical, as the crew relies on coordinated efforts to contain incidents and ensure safety. Additionally, Shipboard Firefighters often take on multiple safety-related responsibilities, including conducting drills and maintaining firefighting equipment throughout the vessel.

What is the difference between Shipboard Firefighter vs Marine Firefighter?

AspectShipboard FirefighterMarine Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighting, CPR, OSHAFirefighting, CPR, OSHA
Work EnvironmentShips, maritime vesselsMaritime vessels, ports
Industry UsageShipping, cruise linesMaritime industry, ports

Both Shipboard Firefighters and Marine Firefighters require similar firefighting certifications and work in maritime environments. However, Shipboard Firefighters specifically serve on ships and cruise vessels, focusing on onboard fire safety, while Marine Firefighters may work in port facilities or on different types of maritime vessels. The roles overlap in skills and certifications but differ mainly in their work settings and specific responsibilities.

More about Shipboard Firefighter jobs

What job categories do people searching Shipboard Firefighter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Shipboard Firefighter jobs are:

Shipboard Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipboard Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Shipboard Damage Control Firefighting Instructor

Prevailance, Inc.

Joint Base Pearl Habor Hickam, HI • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description

Status: This position is currently filled, however we are accepting applications for Ready Replacement Pool consideration.


Prevailance is seeking a mission-focused professional to support the Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) as a Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor. The instructor will deliver technical and military training, including instruction, testing, remediation, curriculum updates, administration, and safety services for formalized naval training.


Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical and military training to Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, including U.S. Navy and Allied Forces officers and enlisted personnel
  • Support curriculum updates and maintenance, testing, and remediation
  • Utilize training aids, electronic podiums, lab equipment, and other instructional tools effectively
  • Ensure adherence to safety protocols during training evolutions

Requirements

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of the Navy Instructor Training Course (CIN: A-012-0077) or equivalent (NEC 9502)
  • At least three (3) years of technical experience in Damage Control
  • At least two (2) years of experience in a Military Training Environment
  • Strong knowledge of learning principles, presentation methods, testing, remediation, and training equipment
  • Comprehensive knowledge of safety protocols, diesel inspection processes, and shipboard firefighting and damage control procedures

Specific Qualifications:

  • Former Senior (E5-E9) Surface Ship Damage Controlman or similar rating
  • Graduate of at least seven (7) of the following courses:
    • General Shipboard Firefighting Training - SCBA (A-495-0416)
    • Shipboard Firefighting Integrated Team Trainer (A-495-0018)
    • Shipboard Firefighting / Damage Control Emergency Team Member (A-495-0021)
    • Shipboard Aircraft Firefighting (J-495-0413)
    • Air Capable Ship Helicopter Firefighting (J-495-0414)
    • Advanced Shipboard Firefighting (J-495-0419)
    • Damage Control Repair Party Team Leader (K-495-0040)
    • Shipboard Damage Control Team Trainer (K-495-0045)
    • Damage Control Petty Officer (K-495-0440)
    • AFFF Foam Generation (K-495-2179)
    • Gas Free Engineering (K-495-0051)
  • Capable of performing all high-risk training evolutions, including ascending/descending ladders, navigating narrow passageways, enduring extreme heat, and lifting up to 50 lbs

Desired Qualifications:

  • Navy Damage Controlman Chief Petty Officer (CPO) or Engineering Department Leader (e.g., EN, GS, EM) preferred
  • Experience with ATG or holding the NEC 9502 Basic Instructor designation
  • Shipboard firefighting experience
  • Current Basic EMT qualification or higher

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • NEC 9502 Navy Instructor or equivalent certification

Clearance:

  • Must be able to obtain a favorable background clearance

If you meet these qualifications and are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply today!

Prevailance, Inc. proudly supports veterans as a member of the V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) program and the Hire Vets initiative. Recognized as a Top Workplace in 2025, Prevailance fosters a supportive, mission-driven environment for its team members. We provide a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, designed to support health, wellness, and financial security. Our benefits include:

  • Medical Insurance
  • TriCare Supplemental
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Computing Device Reimbursement Program 

Prevailance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or contract. Prevailance, Inc. participates in E-Verify and is VEVRAA Compliant.  

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