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Unlicensed Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unlicensed Boat Captain information

See salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do unlicensed boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for unlicensed boat 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 an unlicensed boat captain?

An unlicensed boat captain is someone who operates a boat without holding an official captain’s license from a recognized maritime authority, such as the U.S. Coast Guard. This usually means they are only allowed to operate private or recreational vessels and cannot legally carry paying passengers or operate commercial charters. Obtaining a captain's license typically requires documented boating experience, passing exams, and meeting safety requirements. Operating a vessel without the necessary license for commercial purposes can result in fines or legal penalties. Recreational boaters should still be familiar with navigation rules and safety procedures, even if a license is not legally required for their type of vessel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unlicensed boat captain?

To thrive as an Unlicensed Boat Captain, you need strong seamanship, navigational skills, and a solid understanding of local maritime regulations, even if a formal captain's license is not required. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and basic engine maintenance tools is typically necessary. Excellent communication, decision-making, and situational awareness are important soft skills for ensuring passenger safety and handling emergencies. These competencies are crucial for safe vessel operation, compliance with laws, and providing a positive experience for those on board.

What challenges might an unlicensed boat captain face when seeking employment or contracting work?

Unlicensed boat captains often encounter limitations when seeking work, as most commercial and charter operations require captains to hold a valid license for legal and insurance reasons. Without a license, opportunities are typically restricted to private, non-commercial boating or assisting as crew rather than leading a vessel. Additionally, gaining practical experience may be more difficult without formal certification, making it challenging to advance to higher-responsibility roles. It’s common for aspiring captains to pursue licensing courses to broaden their career prospects and ensure compliance with maritime regulations.

What is the difference between Unlicensed Boat Captain vs Licensed Boat Captain?

AspectUnlicensed Boat CaptainLicensed Boat Captain
CredentialsNo official license requiredRequires valid boating license or captain's license
Work EnvironmentPrivate charters, recreational boatsCommercial vessels, passenger boats
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate owners, recreational industryMarinas, commercial operators, tour companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding licensing requirements, job rolesLegal requirements, career advancement

In summary, an Unlicensed Boat Captain operates boats without official licensing, often in private or recreational settings. A Licensed Boat Captain has completed required certifications and can operate commercial vessels legally. The key difference lies in licensing, which impacts the work environment and legal responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Unlicensed Boat Captain jobs?

For Unlicensed Boat Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Unlicensed Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of September 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 $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Unlicensed Engineer

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection | Massachusetts Maritime Academy

$45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Moran Towing Corporation (www.morantug.com) has an opportunity available for an Unlicensed Engineer, for Moran Philadelphia.This is a full-time position.

Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider of commercial ship docking services, marine transportation, LNG support operations, environmental recovery, and commercial diving services. While economies, cultures, markets, and technology will always continue to evolve, our steadfast commitment to partnering with our employees and customers to solve our customers' marine requirements has enabled us to stay the course year after year.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Engineer reports to the Captain or his/her designee as appropriate. The engineer has primary responsibility for the maintenance and operation of all machinery, associated systems and spaces.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Familiarizing himself or herself with the current operational status upon joining a boat with the off-going engineer.
  • Properly turning over his/her duties to his/her relief.
  • Reporting unsafe situations or opportunities for improvement.
  • Completing general and planned maintenance schedules.
  • Keeping the Captain and shoreside management apprised of all conditions, including requirements for maintenance, which may adversely affect the vessel or its operating schedule.
  • Maintaining accurate and complete engine log, maintenance, and engine records.
  • Monthly fuel and lube oil reporting.
  • Supervising the procurement, loading, use, and transfer of:
    • Potable and ballast water,
    • Fuel oil,
    • Lube oil.
  • When acting as PIC, complete and sign proper entries on the Declaration of Inspection form, and in the vessels Oil Transfer Procedure.
  • Monitoring the quality and condition of engineering supplies.
  • Maintaining inventories of adequate spare parts and tools.
  • Working on deck, including ship docking and tug mooring operations.
  • Acting as a lookout.
  • Other duties as designated by the Captain or his/her designee.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC), or, if the applicable waterway is exempt from MMD requirements for mariners, the applicant must apply for a MMC within 60 days of their start date.
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • STCW certification (if required for service).
  • USCG 719k Physical examination meeting Merchant Mariner Medical certification.
  • Pre-Employment Drug Screening.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Maritime experience working aboard a vessel.
  • USCG engineering license.
  • Excellent communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Work safely in a marine setting.
  • Walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Frequently reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently crouch or stoop.
  • Climb/descend stairs and ladders.
  • Occasionally lift and/or carry up to 60 lbs.
  • Occasionally enter and work in enclosed spaces.
  • Withstand exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, rain, cold and or/humidity.

IN RETURN, WE OFFER:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Career development opportunities
  • Team-oriented work environment
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Company paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Plans
  • Employee Assistance, Health Advocate, and Wellness Programs
  • Generous 401(k) Plan with employer non-elective, matching, and discretionary contributions
  • Company paid Financial Advice Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

Moran Towing Corporation offers generous benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and competitive salaries based on geographic location. Our target pay range for the Unlicensed Engineerposition is $35.00 - $45.00per hour. This pay range represents Moran's commitment to pay transparency and is a reasonable estimate of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. The final salary for this role will be determined based on careful consideration of a variety of factors, such as the candidate's exact location, experience, and expertise related to the qualifications.

Moran Towing Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.