How a Captain's License Can Boost Your Income

Lucrative Ventures: Income Opportunities for Licensed Boat Captains

How much money does a boat captain make? 

There is no fixed salary for a commercial boat captain, but there are several lucrative opportunities. With a captain’s license, you have the flexibility to pursue a variety of career paths or business ventures. Here are some common opportunities and potential earnings:

• Transporting Yachts for Customers: Transporting boats by land can be expensive, making water delivery a cost-effective option. A typical delivery captain can charge between $275 to $475 per day.

• Charter Boats or Fishing Charters: Fishing boats that charge per person, known as head boats or party boats, can be quite profitable. A charter boat captain can earn upwards of $625 for a four-hour fishing trip.

• Providing Water Taxi Services: While not the highest-paying job, working as a commercial captain for a water taxi can provide steady work and help you build your career.

• Conducting Sea Trials: Many boat brokers and dealers hire licensed captains to perform sea trials for potential buyers.

• Ferry Boat Captain: A ferry boat captain typically earns between $45,000 to $85,000 or more per year, depending on the region and the size of the ferry operation.

📖 You can find out more opportunities for commercial captains here. 

Can I get an insurance break with my captain’s license?  

Having a captain's license can help reduce your insurance premiums. Many insurers offer a 10-30% reduction in insurance costs each year for licensed captains. Be sure to reach out to your insurance company for specifics regarding your situation. 

Can I be fined if I don’t have a captain’s license while having paying passengers aboard? 

The fines can be severe if you operate a boat with paying passengers without a valid captain's license. Fines can reach up to $10,000 per occurrence, and if you are not enrolled in an approved random drug testing program, you could face an additional fine of $5,000 for each day you are found in violation.