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Survey Vessel Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$322.13/day

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental Protection ... survey operations throughout the Great Lakes. The primary homeport is Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Description Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental ... survey operations throughout the Great Lakes. The primary homeport is Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

State of Oregon

$4.5K - $6.2K/wk

Conducting extractive surveys (e.g. hook-and-line), and non-extractive surveys (e.g., intertidal ... to vessel captain and crew), and recording field data. * Maintaining databases, analyzing ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic ... Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired. Experience ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic ... or captain is desired. • Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS ...

Woolpert

Marine Geophysical Specialist

Anchorage, AK

However, a captain's license is not required. * When not in the field, the candidate will support ... This may include GNSS topographic survey, vessel-based LiDAR, ROV operations, drone operations ...

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Survey Vessel Captain information

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How much do survey vessel captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey vessel captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a survey vessel captain?

Survey Vessel Captains are licensed mariners responsible for commanding vessels used in marine surveying operations. They navigate and operate the vessel to support activities such as hydrographic, geophysical, or environmental surveys. Captains ensure the safety of the crew, oversee vessel maintenance, and coordinate with survey teams to achieve project objectives. They also ensure compliance with maritime laws and regulations during survey missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a survey vessel captain?

To thrive as a Survey Vessel Captain, you need a valid captain's license (such as a USCG Master license), extensive maritime navigation experience, and knowledge of hydrographic survey methods. Familiarity with electronic chart systems, GPS, sonar equipment, and survey data collection software is typically required. Strong leadership, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating the crew and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are essential for safely conducting accurate marine surveys and managing the vessel and team under challenging conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by a survey vessel captain during offshore operations?

Survey Vessel Captains often encounter challenges such as navigating in unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring the safety of crew and equipment, and coordinating closely with survey teams to maintain precise vessel positioning. Managing communication between the bridge and survey teams is crucial, especially when operating near sensitive marine environments or during complex data collection tasks. Additionally, captains must ensure compliance with maritime regulations and adapt quickly to changes in operational plans or equipment malfunctions.

What is the difference between Survey Vessel Captain vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectSurvey Vessel CaptainMarine Surveyor
CredentialsMaritime licenses, captain's certificationsMarine engineering or survey certifications, licenses
Work EnvironmentOnboard vessels, maritime settingsOffshore, port inspections, office-based reports
Industry UsageMaritime transportation, research vesselsShip inspections, insurance, compliance

While both roles involve maritime expertise, the Survey Vessel Captain primarily operates vessels and oversees onboard activities, whereas the Marine Surveyor conducts inspections and assessments of ships and equipment. The Captain focuses on navigation and vessel operation, while the Surveyor emphasizes safety, compliance, and technical evaluations. Both roles require maritime certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Survey Vessel Captain jobs?

For Survey Vessel Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Survey Vessel Captain job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist

Pascagoula, MS • On-site

AIS, Inc.
Environmental Consulting Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about AIS, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulation ns as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is seeking a Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist to support NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center's (SEFSC) Harvesting Unit.
Primary Function:
This role serves as a senior technical specialist and vessel operator, responsible for maintaining and operating Class III research vessels, supporting survey cruises, and providing advanced expertise in fishing gear construction, deployment, and evaluation. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Construct, maintain, and repair selective fishing gear, including TEDs and BRDs, for use in research and training activities
  • Provide technical expertise and support for fisheries research projects and gear evaluations
  • Support Mississippi Laboratories survey cruises through at-sea operations and gear deployment
  • Operate and maintain Class III research vessels, serving as Captain or First Mate during research missions
  • Ensure vessel readiness, including maintenance, inspection, cleanliness, and seaworthiness
  • Safely manage vessel navigation, cargo handling, deck operations, and onboard equipment
  • Maintain inventory of vessel supplies and support overall vessel logistics
  • Assist with small boat operations and general equipment maintenance
  • Conduct outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers on proper use of federally required fishing gear
  • Provide training to marine law enforcement on inspection and compliance procedures for regulated fishing gear
  • Prepare reports documenting outreach, training, and operational activities
  • Support general unit operations, including warehouse maintenance and equipment organization

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in net construction and repair within a commercial fishery or net shop environment
  • Minimum 5 years of experience as Captain of a research or commercial fishing vessel, including operation and maintenance of associated equipment
  • Current U.S. Coast Guard Master's License (100-ton or greater)
  • Demonstrated proficiency reading and interpreting fishing gear schematics and construction diagrams
  • Valid driver's license
  • Advanced vessel operations and navigation capability in research and field environments
  • Strong technical expertise in fishing gear systems and construction techniques
  • Ability to lead safe and efficient vessel and deck operations
  • Effective communication skills for training and operational coordination

Ability to obtain and maintain:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6-Pack), if not already held
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Ability to meet all NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction methods
  • Experience delivering technical training and hands-on demonstrations
  • Small boat operation certifications (e.g., fast rescue boat)
  • Knowledge of federal fishing gear regulations and compliance requirements

Travel:
  • Travel Estimated: 40-50% (regional travel across Gulf of Mexico states, including offshore survey cruises, regional outreach activities, and training events).

Location:
  • 3209 Frederic St, Pascagoula, MS, 39567- Southeast Fisheries Science Center's Pascagoula Laboratory

Contact:
If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
  • 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 774-770-5833.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer

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