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Temporary Cargo Ship Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wood Resources, LLC

Towing Captain

Avondale, LA · On-site

... ship mooring, dredging, as well as construction andlandscaping materials. Position Summary ... Pushingand Pulling Tasks Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines.

Wood Resources, LLC

Towing Captain

Avondale, LA · On-site

For more than 70 years, WoodResources has continued to provide marine towing, ship mooring ... Pushingand Pulling Tasks Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines. OtheraOn ...

FlyExclusive

Caravan Seaplane Captain

Kinston, NC · On-site

$99 - $121/hr

Job SummaryThe Caravan Seaplane Captain (PIC) plays a vital role in supporting company operations ... Assume primary responsibility for the safety of the passengers, cargo.Must comply with all Federal ...

Dann Marine Towing

Captain/Relief Captain

... cargo loss, contamination, spills or pollution. Grounding and wheel fouling should be reported ... abandon-ship drills Requirements * Minimum - Master of Towing Vessels 200 ton * 3-5 years ...

Kaizen Lab Inc.

Towing Captain

Avondale, LA · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

For more than 70 years, WoodResources has continued to provide marine towing, ship mooring ... Pushingand Pulling Tasks Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines.

Posted today

American Steamship Company

Master/Captain

Buffalo, NY · On-site

American Steamship Company has a long and rich history of sailing ships on the Great Lakes since ... Ultimate authority and responsibility for the vessel, crew, cargo, safety, security, and ...

American Steamship Company

Master/Captain

Buffalo, NY · On-site

American Steamship Company has a long and rich history of sailing ships on the Great Lakes since ... Ultimate authority and responsibility for the vessel, crew, cargo, safety, security, and ...

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Temporary Cargo Ship Captain information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do temporary cargo ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cargo ship captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary cargo ship captain?

Temporary Cargo Ship Captains are licensed maritime professionals who are hired on a short-term or contract basis to command cargo vessels. They are responsible for navigating the ship, overseeing the crew, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of cargo, and complying with maritime regulations. Temporary captains may be brought in to cover for permanent captains on leave, during peak shipping seasons, or for specific voyages. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining safety and operational standards while adapting quickly to different ships and routes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary cargo ship captain?

To thrive as a Temporary Cargo Ship Captain, you need a valid master mariner license, deep knowledge of maritime navigation, and extensive experience in cargo operations. Familiarity with electronic navigation systems, cargo management software, and international maritime regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, crisis management, and clear communication skills set outstanding captains apart. These skills ensure safe vessel operation, efficient cargo transport, and effective crew coordination in challenging maritime environments.

What are some unique challenges temporary cargo ship captains face when joining a new vessel or crew?

Temporary cargo ship captains often need to quickly adapt to unfamiliar vessels and onboard systems, as well as establish rapport with a new crew in a short period. They must rapidly familiarize themselves with the ship’s specific safety protocols, navigation equipment, and operational routines. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential to ensure smooth operations and maintain safety standards despite limited time for team-building. Flexibility and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Temporary Cargo Ship Captain vs Cargo Ship Officer?

AspectTemporary Cargo Ship CaptainCargo Ship Officer
CredentialsMaritime licenses, captain's license, extensive experienceMaritime licenses, officer certifications, navigation training
Work EnvironmentBridge of cargo ships, onboard leadership roleBridge of cargo ships, supporting navigation and operations
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, maritime industryShipping companies, maritime industry
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Temporary Cargo Ship Captain and a Cargo Ship Officer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The captain holds overall command, making critical decisions and ensuring safety, while the officer supports navigation and operational tasks. Both roles require maritime certifications and work in similar environments within the shipping industry.

More about Temporary Cargo Ship Captain jobs

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What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship Captain jobs?

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What states have the most Temporary Cargo Ship Captain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Cargo Ship Captain jobs include:

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Temporary Cargo Ship Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cargo Ship Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Towing Captain

Wood Resources, LLC

Avondale, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Wood Resources, LLC is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
For more than 70 years, WoodResources has continued to provide marine towing, ship mooring, dredging, as well as construction andlandscaping materials.
Position Summary:
Captains are responsible for the safe operation of vesselsand barges.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Total responsibility for the safety of the towing vessel. This includes ensuring that the vessel is adhering to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (once the COI has been issued) and follows applicable regulations regarding the towing vessel.
  • Determines if an unsafe operation endangers the vessel or the crew.
  • Report any accident, incident, illness of the crew, or maintenance problem.
  • Preparation, filing and onboard maintenance of all records and documents.
  • Ensuring and promoting a positive and proactive relationship with the customer through his or her actions, decisions, abilities, temperament and operational efficiency of the crew and vessel.

Job Requirements:
  • Captainâ€'s License
  • Medical Endorsement
  • Radar Endorsement
  • Radio and Telephone Permit
  • Current Transportation Work Identification Credential (TWIC) required

PhysicalRequirements:
Standingand Walking Tasks
Continuedand occasionally uninterrupted work on all decks of the vessel, including theengine room with the majority of the work comprised of standing and walking.
SittingTasks
Steeringthe vessel.
LiftingTasks
Thefollowing objects, from less than 10 to occasionally more than 100 pounds, maybe stored as low as floor level and lifted by the Captain or Relief Captain.Pumps, sack materials, tow and mooring lines, rigging equipment for barges,steel cable, anchors, stores, supplies and tools.
Crouching/ Squatting / Kneeling Tasks
Dailyhandling of equipment and cleaning.
Pushingand Pulling Tasks
Dailyhandling of equipment, supplies, cargo, wires, and lines.
Other“On the Job†Demands
Dailycrawling, jumping, stepping to board vessel, climbing, twisting.
PotentialWork Conditions and Exposures
Hot,cold or sudden changes in temperatures, noise, fumes, cramped quarters, sharpedges, vibrations, effect of seas on vessel, non-stationary work surfaces,working on water, significant distance from shore, moving parts and pressurelines.
Wood Resources, LLC is an equalopportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment withoutattention to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, genderidentity, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteranstatus, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected byfederal, state or local laws.
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