Vacancies for Master

Master (also Captain) is the senior officer on board and the person with overall command of the vessel. On any merchant or offshore ship, the Master is responsible for safe navigation, the crew, the cargo, the ship’s legal compliance and the final decisions at sea and in port. In practice, this is the officer who carries ultimate responsibility for the whole operation of the vessel.

Master Salary Expectations

Master salary today can vary widely depending on vessel type, trading area, company and the level of responsibility involved. On much of the merchant fleet, wages often fall in the USD 8,000 - 13,000 per month range, while stronger tanker, gas and offshore contracts can go higher. The average Master salary on Maritime Zone is USD 10,441/month. Tanker command is usually paid above the middle of the market, while top-end LPG and LNG contracts can move into the USD 16,000 - 23,500 range. Offshore jobs are often quoted as day rates, and strong contracts on AHTS, MPSV and similar vessels may offer around USD 350 - 500 per day, while command on larger offshore construction vessels, jack-up units, FPSO and drilling projects can reach about USD 1,000 - 1,500 per day depending on vessel complexity, project scope and DP requirements. For a broader overview, see the Master salary statistics page.

Duties

The Master is responsible for the safe and efficient navigation of the vessel and for the overall conduct of the voyage. This includes cooperation with pilots, port authorities, coastal authorities and company representatives, as well as making sure the vessel operates in line with international rules, flag-state requirements and local port regulations.

The job also includes preparation for port state control, surveys, inspections and audits, as well as ensuring that the crew follows the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and the key maritime rules and conventions that apply on board. The Master also oversees cargo operations at the command level, confirms that the vessel is operated safely in port, and works closely with the Chief Officer and Chief Engineer to keep the deck, cargo and technical sides of the ship under control.

On many vessels, the Captain is also responsible for safety drills, overall ship security under the ISPS Code, documentation, medical supplies and parts of the ship’s administrative and commercial routine. Depending on vessel type, the Master may also need stronger cargo-specific knowledge, for example on chemical or gas tankers, or DP-related experience on offshore vessels.

Requirements

A Master vacancy usually requires a valid management-level deck Certificate of Competency in line with STCW II/2, the national CoC required by the flag or company, and solid previous sea service as a Chief Officer. Depending on vessel type, employers may also ask for Advanced Tanker Training (STCW V/1), GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC), Bridge Resource Management (BRM), DP certification, advanced cargo handling background, or previous command experience on similar vessels.

If you are looking for the best Master vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, contract length, trading area, crew setup and the reputation of the company. The best command is not always the one with the highest number. Clear procedures, a well-run vessel and a company that supports the Master properly often matter just as much.