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Transport Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Port Canaveral, FL · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Myers Beach, FL

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Camden, ME · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Guilford, CT · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Moundsville, WV · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Old Saybrook, CT · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Morehead City, NC · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Moundsville, WV · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Tampa, FL

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Rockland, ME · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Point Pleasant, WV · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Point Pleasant, WV

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). * Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience. * Excellent communication skills and team ...

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Transport Captain information

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$21

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How much do transport captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for transport captain in the United States is $21.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Transport Captains when coordinating with different departments, and how can they be addressed?

Transport Captains often work closely with logistics, operations, and safety teams to ensure timely and secure movement of goods or personnel. A common challenge is managing last-minute changes in schedules or routes, which requires strong communication and flexibility. Building effective relationships with colleagues across departments and utilizing real-time tracking technologies can help streamline coordination. Proactively addressing issues and maintaining clear, open lines of communication are key strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Transport Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transport Captain, you need in-depth knowledge of navigation, logistics, and safety protocols, usually backed by a relevant maritime or aviation license and experience. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, communication radios, and compliance management software is commonly required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and crisis management skills help ensure efficient operations and crew coordination. These competencies are essential for safeguarding cargo, passengers, and crew while ensuring timely and compliant transport operations.

What is the highest paid boat captain?

The highest paid boat captains are typically those working in the luxury yacht industry, commercial shipping, or offshore oil and gas sectors, with salaries reaching over $200,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, vessel size, and the complexity of operations.

What is the difference between Transport Captain vs Ship Officer?

AspectTransport CaptainShip Officer
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), maritime certificationsMaritime certifications, STCW certificates
Work EnvironmentRoad transport, logistics hubsShip decks, maritime operations
Industry UsageFreight, logistics, transportation companiesShipping lines, maritime industry
Primary RoleOversees land transport operationsManages ship navigation and crew

While both roles involve transportation management, the Transport Captain focuses on land-based freight and logistics, whereas the Ship Officer is responsible for maritime navigation and ship operations. They share certifications related to safety and operational standards but differ significantly in work environment and industry focus.

What is a transport captain?

A transport captain is a supervisory role responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operation of transportation services, such as buses, trucks, or ships. They typically manage drivers, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and may hold certifications like a commercial driver's license or maritime credentials. The role often involves scheduling, route planning, and maintaining communication with dispatch or management.

What is the highest paid transportation job?

The highest paid transportation jobs often include roles such as airline pilots, freight rail managers, and logistics directors, with airline pilots typically earning the highest salaries in the industry. These positions require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and often involve managing large teams or complex operations.

Do boat captains make good money?

Boat captains, also known as vessel or ship captains, typically earn a salary that varies based on the type of vessel, experience, and location. On average, they can make from $50,000 to over $150,000 annually, with specialized roles or larger vessels offering higher compensation. Certifications such as a captain's license and experience in navigation are important factors influencing earnings.
More about Transport Captain jobs
What job categories do people searching Transport Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Transport Captain jobs are:
Transport Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Transport Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Captain

Captain

American Cruise Lines

Port Canaveral, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Captain
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Oversee Shipboard Engineer.
  • Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.
Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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