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Vessel Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$35.90 - $41.99/hr

You will direct and accomplish the daily activities during normal operations as well as during routine maintenance, cleaning, and painting, which may be necessary to keep the vessel in shipshape ...

Captains must be able to safely navigate the vessel, supervise the handling of gear, maintain safe practices, and work with the Bristol Wave operations team to continually refine and improve the ...

Captains must be able to safely navigate the vessel, supervise the handling of gear, maintain safe practices, and work with the Bristol Wave operations team to continually refine and improve the ...

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the ...

You will direct and accomplish the daily activities during normal operations as well as during routine maintenance, cleaning, and painting, which may be necessary to keep the vessel in shipshape ...

You will direct and accomplish the daily activities during normal operations as well as during routine maintenance, cleaning, and painting, which may be necessary to keep the vessel in shipshape ...

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Vessel Captain information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do vessel captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel 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 does a vessel captain do?

A Vessel Captain, also known as a ship captain or master, is responsible for commanding and overseeing the safe operation of a vessel. They navigate the ship, manage the crew, ensure compliance with maritime laws, and coordinate loading and unloading of cargo or passengers. Vessel Captains also handle emergency situations, maintain communication with port authorities, and ensure the vessel's maintenance and safety standards are met. Their leadership is crucial for the safety of everyone on board and the successful completion of voyages.

What are some common challenges vessel captains face when managing a crew during long voyages?

Vessel Captains often encounter challenges related to maintaining crew morale, ensuring effective communication, and managing fatigue during extended periods at sea. They must balance operational demands with the well-being of their team, addressing any interpersonal conflicts or stress that may arise. Additionally, Captains are responsible for upholding safety standards and compliance, all while navigating unpredictable weather or logistical issues. Strong leadership and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and keeping the crew cohesive and motivated.

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

To thrive as a Vessel Captain, you need deep knowledge of maritime navigation, ship handling, safety protocols, and typically must hold a valid captain’s license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Proficiency in using navigation systems like GPS, radar, ECDIS, and communication equipment is essential, alongside certifications in STCW and first aid. Leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing crew and ensuring smooth operations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient maritime transport.

What is the difference between Vessel Captain vs Marine Engineer?

AspectVessel CaptainMarine Engineer
CredentialsSTCW Master License, maritime certificationsSTCW Engineer License, marine engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentBridge of ships, navigation, crew managementEngine room, machinery maintenance, technical operations
Industry UsageShipping, cargo vessels, cruise shipsShip engines, propulsion systems, vessel maintenance

The Vessel Captain and Marine Engineer roles both require maritime certifications and are essential in ship operations. The Captain oversees navigation and crew, while the Marine Engineer focuses on engine systems and technical maintenance. Both roles are vital for safe and efficient vessel operation, often working closely together in the shipping industry.

More about Vessel Captain jobs

What cities are hiring for Vessel Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Vessel Captain job openings:

What states have the most Vessel Captain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vessel Captain jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Vessel Captain jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Vessel Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Captain

Louisiana, MO • On-site

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc
1 - 5K employees

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Manage and operate the vessel in accordance with safety, environmental, and statutory regulations.

  • Ensure safe navigation, conduct voyages, and maintain up-to-date navigational charts and publications.

  • Oversee safety management, conduct safety drills, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental policies.


Job description

  • The health and safety of all personnel, protection of the marine environment and the safety and security of the vessel.
  • Overall management and operation of the vessel in conjunction with the Chief Engineer and Superintendent.
  • Enforcement of Company policies (Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Policies), statutory rules and regulations, as well as local rules and regulations where applicable.
  • The safe navigation of the vessel and the planning and conducting of voyages in a safe manner.
  • Ensuring that all navigational charts, publications and information are available and maintained up to date (Note: the Captain may delegate this responsibility).
  • Issuing clear and simple orders to ensure safe vessel operations.
  • Making sure that specific knowledge and experience is communicated to and shared with all people in the department.
  • Training and improving the skills of the vessel's DP Operators (DP Vessels only).
  • Ensuring that crew are adequately qualified and medically fit as per the vessel's Qualification Matrix and Flag State Requirements.
  • The Certification and Classification of the vessel with regard to Statutory Surveys.
  • Exercising control over ordering and approval of vessel spares and consumables.
  • The administration, preparation and submission of all statutory logbooks and reports.
  • The administration, preparation and submission of applicable Helix reports.
  • Reviewing of the safety management system and reporting its deficiencies to the shore-based management.
  • Ensuring enforcement of Client's requirements regarding safety and environmental protection where applicable.
  • Chairing the vessel's Safety Committee and ensuring that Committee recommendations on EHS issues are followed up in a timely manner.
  • Organizing safety and emergency drills and musters (These should fit in with the vessel's schedule whenever possible).
  • Ensuring (through their appointed deputies) that all personnel joining the vessels for the first time are inducted and familiarized in accordance with the Safety Management System.
  • Implementing and monitoring the "Permit to Work" system.
  • Carrying out routine and regular inspections of the vessel with emphasis on safe working practices, cleanliness, hygiene, safety equipment.
  • Ensuring adequate safe systems of work are adopted for all vessel activities according to any relevant safety regulations and procedures.
  • Arranging for the investigation and reporting of all incidents to the Company and other appropriate authorities.
  • Complete other duties and/or projects as required and assigned by management.
Qualifications

Education / Training: The Captain shall be qualified in accordance with STCW 95 Regulation II/2, Unlimited.

Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience as Captain / Chief Officer on a DP operated pipelay or construction vessel.

Skills: Excellent management skills. Fluent in both verbal and written English. Computer literate.

Special Requirements
  • Additional requirements are contained in the Vessel Qualifications and Training Matrix appropriate to each vessel.
  • The Captain is the legally appointed representative of the Company and is responsible, under law for the vessel.
  • With respect to safety and pollution prevention, the vessel Captain has complete and overriding authority and responsibility to make decisions with respect to the operation of their vessel and to request the Company's assistance as necessary.
  • The Captain's first consideration shall be the safety of life and the vessel.
  • The vessel's work program, any other instruction or convenience must never justify the taking of any risk which may endanger life, the vessel, or cause any hazard or damage to the environment.
  • To this end, the Captain has the authority to veto the start, or order the termination of any operations, including subsea operations.
  • The Captain should communicate and coordinate such decisions with the Superintendent or relevant Supervisor.

As Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) (where so designated): The Captain on Well Intervention vessels also holds the title of Offshore Installation Manager (OIM). The OIM is licensed under the MODU Code (in the USA, 46 CFR 10.47 refers) and is the person appointed to have overall charge and responsibility for the health, safety and security of all persons onboard a drilling unit and all activities conducted thereon and within 500 meters of the installation.

Decision Making: The Captain shall coordinate with the Client's Representative, Superintendent, Chief Engineer, Chief Officer and any other relevant Manager necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.

Helix Energy Solutions Group is an equal opportunity employer.

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