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Port captain vs vessel master

The differences between port captains and vessel masters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a port captain and a vessel master. Additionally, a port captain has an average salary of $57,720, which is higher than the $54,895 average annual salary of a vessel master.

The top three skills for a port captain include vessel operations, safety program and USCG. The most important skills for a vessel master are TWIC, USCG, and coast guard.

Port captain vs vessel master overview

Port CaptainVessel Master
Yearly salary$57,720$54,895
Hourly rate$27.75$26.39
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs3,9738,404
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4242
Years of experience66

Port captain vs vessel master salary

Port captains and vessel masters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Port CaptainVessel Master
Average salary$57,720$54,895
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $95,000Between $21,000 And $137,000
Highest paying CityEnglewood Cliffs, NJ-
Highest paying stateNew Jersey-
Best paying companyCrowley Holdings Inc.-
Best paying industryEnergy-

Differences between port captain and vessel master education

There are a few differences between a port captain and a vessel master in terms of educational background:

Port CaptainVessel Master
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY Maritime CollegeSUNY Maritime College

Port captain vs vessel master demographics

Here are the differences between port captains' and vessel masters' demographics:

Port CaptainVessel Master
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 93.9% Female, 6.1%Male, 98.5% Female, 1.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between port captain and vessel master duties and responsibilities

Port captain example responsibilities.

  • Lead a platoon that earn numerous awards for jamming opposition force artillery nets and conducting counterattacks on opposition electronic warfare platoons.
  • Maintain boats to USCG standards in image and maintanence.
  • Supervise all schedules, budgets, payroll, and inspections including maintenance and USCG.
  • Direct the installation, operation and maintenance of military radio and telecommunications assets for combat infantry units and fix telephone facilities.
  • Monitor operations to consistently meet BP requirements.

Vessel master example responsibilities.

  • Manage records and assist customers with billing and reservations.organize and assist with running of events.
  • Perform basic maintenance and upkeep on trucks, boats, booms, pumps, and other equipment.
  • Operate two 40,000 DWT tankers off of east coast of Canada in ice congest waters (SLS - Quebec).

Port captain vs vessel master skills

Common port captain skills
  • Vessel Operations, 27%
  • Safety Program, 15%
  • USCG, 13%
  • Cargo Operations, 7%
  • ABS, 5%
  • US Coast Guard, 5%
Common vessel master skills
  • TWIC, 33%
  • USCG, 28%
  • Coast Guard, 18%
  • Safety Equipment, 16%
  • Boats, 4%
  • DP, 1%

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