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Unlicensed Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer - Unlicensed American Cruise Lines is seeking Engineers for our growing fleet sailing ... Promote safety culture and supervise crew adherence to protocols. * Maintain a safe, clean, and ...

Engineer - Unlicensed American Cruise Lines is seeking Engineers for our growing fleet sailing ... Promote safety culture and supervise crew adherence to protocols. * Maintain a safe, clean, and ...

Engineer - Unlicensed American Cruise Lines is seeking Engineers for our growing fleet sailing ... Promote safety culture and supervise crew adherence to protocols. * Maintain a safe, clean, and ...

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Unlicensed Crew information

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How much do unlicensed crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for unlicensed crew in the United States is $15.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unlicensed crew member?

Unlicensed crew members are maritime workers who perform essential duties aboard a ship but do not hold a formal license from a maritime authority. They typically handle tasks such as maintenance, cleaning, cargo handling, and assisting licensed officers with daily operations. Positions in this category include roles like deckhands, oilers, stewards, and able seamen. Unlicensed crew play a critical role in ensuring the smooth function and safety of the vessel, even though they are not required to have specialized certifications like officers.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by an unlicensed crew member aboard commercial vessels?

Unlicensed crew members, such as deckhands or ordinary seamen, are responsible for a variety of essential tasks including cleaning, maintenance, cargo handling, and assisting with mooring operations. A common challenge in this role is adapting to physically demanding work and long hours, often in changing weather conditions or while at sea for extended periods. Teamwork is crucial, as unlicensed crew collaborate closely with other crew members and officers to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the vessel. This position offers valuable hands-on experience and can serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced maritime roles with additional training and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unlicensed crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unlicensed Crew member, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical stamina, and basic seamanship skills. Familiarity with safety protocols, shipboard equipment, and sometimes possession of maritime safety certifications (such as STCW) are commonly required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working efficiently in dynamic and sometimes challenging conditions at sea. These skills and qualifications ensure the crew operates safely and effectively, supporting smooth vessel operations and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is the difference between Unlicensed Crew vs Licensed Crew?

AspectUnlicensed CrewLicensed Crew
CredentialsNo formal license requiredRequires valid license or certification
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, manual tasksSupervised, specialized tasks
Industry UsageCommon in construction, roofing, and general laborRequired for skilled trades and specialized roles
Search IntentCompare entry-level roles without licensingFind licensed professionals or crew

Unlicensed Crew typically performs manual, entry-level tasks without formal licensing, making them suitable for general labor roles. Licensed Crew members hold valid certifications, enabling them to undertake specialized or regulated tasks. The main difference lies in credentials and scope of work, with licensed crews often required for safety and compliance reasons in many industries.

What are popular job titles related to Unlicensed Crew jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Unlicensed Crew job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,097 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Engineer - Unlicensed

Red Wing, MN โ€ข On-site

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Servicesย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Engineer โ€“ Unlicensed

American Cruise Lines is seeking Engineers for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 guests.

The Engineer is responsible for the overall technical operation, maintenance, and safe performance of the ship, ensuring the efficient functioning of propulsion, auxiliary, and onboard systems in full compliance with maritime regulations. Engineers provide 24โ€‘hour response to machinery and system issues and oversee the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all vessel equipment, including pumps, motors, engines, electrical and plumbing systems, water makers, marine safety devices, elevators, electronics, launches, rescue craft, and other critical systems.

Engineers report directly to the shipโ€™s Captain regarding daily vessel operations and maintenance, while coordinating repairs, professional development, scheduling, training, and mentoring in collaboration with Regional Port Engineers.

At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our valuesโ€”Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share Americaโ€™s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities:
  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot all shipboard machinery, including propulsion, auxiliary, and electrical systems.
  • Conduct regular inspections and provide 24โ€‘hour response for technical issues and emergencies.
  • Support vessel docking, logistics, and operational maintenance as needed.
  • Implement maintenance schedules to keep equipment in optimal condition.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, maritime regulations, and safety standards.
  • Document maintenance, repairs, liquid transfers, and inventory.
  • Execute emergency procedures for technical incidents such as engine failures, fires, or flooding.
  • Promote safety culture and supervise crew adherence to protocols.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for passengers and crew.
  • Conduct daily Deck Security Watch.
  • Optimize fuel consumption to reduce costs and environmental impact.
  • Manage spare parts, supplies, and liquid transfers.
  • Oversee contractor repairs on machinery and systems.
  • Collaborate with Hotel Officers and Service Crew to support fiveโ€‘star guest service.
  • Maintain exemplary grooming, uniform appearance, and professional conduct.
Qualifications:
  • Experience with diesel machinery, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
  • Knowledge of shipboard machinery and auxiliary systems.
  • Strong work habits, selfโ€‘discipline, and attention to personal grooming.
  • Good communication, teamwork, and problemโ€‘solving skills.
  • Ability to follow technical procedures and assist with maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • TWIC โ€“ Transportation Worker Identification Card.
  • Preโ€‘employment drug test and participation in ongoing random testing.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Work Schedule:

7 days per week while onboard the ship.

Yearโ€‘round Season rotation 4 weeks on: 4 weeks off.

This is a fullโ€‘time, exempt position.

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 onโ€‘board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20โ€ 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.
  • 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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