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Assistant Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Engineer Oceans

Seattle, WA

$816/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... About the Role As an Assistant Engineer, you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe ...

Assistant Engineer Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$816/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... About the Role As an Assistant Engineer, you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe ...

... 2. Assist the Master in the daily operation of the tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

Assistant Engineer Oceans

Seattle, WA

$816/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... About the Role As an Assistant Engineer, you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe ...

... 2. Assist the Master in the daily operation of the tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

... 2. Assist the Master in the daily operation of the tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

Mate (Pilot)

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The role of tug Mate (Pilot) is to assist the tug Master in the timely, efficient, and orderly operation and management of the company's tug. This position is for nationwide offshore towing ...

... harbor assist work. Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain ...

... harbor assist work. Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain ...

Senior Commercial Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$132K - $199K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Its core operating businesses include Foss Maritime, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge and AmNav Maritime. Together, these companies provide essential marine logistics, harbor assist, and project services. The ...

Senior Commercial Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$132K - $199K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Its core operating businesses include Foss Maritime, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge and AmNav Maritime. Together, these companies provide essential marine logistics, harbor assist, and project services. The ...

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Participate and work on deck as necessary. * Assist with general maintenance and housekeeping ...

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Participate and work on deck as necessary. * Assist with general maintenance and housekeeping ...

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Participate and work on deck as necessary. * Assist with general maintenance and housekeeping ...

Inland Captain

Bayonne, NJ

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge. The job responsibilities include but ... Five (5) years of experience towing barges as Master in New York Harbor, North River, and Long ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Harbor Tug information

See salary details

$10

$67

$125

How much do assistant harbor tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant harbor tug in the United States is $67.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $92.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant harbor tug?

To thrive as an Assistant Harbor Tug, you need foundational maritime knowledge, seamanship skills, and often a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with appropriate endorsements. Familiarity with navigation systems, towing equipment, and safety protocols is crucial, and some roles may require certifications like STCW or First Aid/CPR. Strong teamwork, clear communication, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for coordinating safe vessel movements and responding to emergencies. These capabilities ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of tug operations in busy harbor environments.

What is the difference between Assistant Harbor Tug vs Deckhand?

AspectAssistant Harbor TugDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, TWIC cardSTCW Basic Safety, TWIC card
Work EnvironmentHarbor, tugboats, port areasVessel decks, port, and offshore
Job RoleAssists in maneuvering tugboats, safety checksPerforms general deck duties, maintenance, lookout

Both Assistant Harbor Tugs and Deckhands require similar certifications and work in port and vessel environments. The Assistant Harbor Tug typically focuses on assisting with tug operations and safety, while Deckhands handle broader deck duties. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within maritime port operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by assistant harbor tugs during daily operations?

Assistant Harbor Tugs often work in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments, dealing with changing weather, tides, and heavy marine traffic. One of the main challenges is maintaining clear communication and coordination with the captain and crew, especially during complex maneuvers such as docking or undocking large vessels. Additionally, the role requires constant vigilance for safety hazards and quick responses to operational changes or emergencies. Teamwork, adaptability, and a strong understanding of maritime protocols are essential for success in this position.

What is an assistant harbor tug?

Assistant Harbor Tugs are crew members who support the operation of tugboats in harbors, ports, and terminals. Their primary responsibilities include helping with docking and undocking ships, handling tow lines and cables, and ensuring the safe maneuvering of vessels within confined waters. They work under the direction of the tug's captain and assist with maintenance and safety procedures on board. This role is essential for the smooth and secure movement of ships in busy port areas.
More about Assistant Harbor Tug jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Harbor Tug jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Harbor Tug job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Harbor Tug jobs? The most popular types of Harbor Tug jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Harbor Tug jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Harbor Tug jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Harbor Tug jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Harbor Tug jobs are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Harbor Tug job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Captains (Towing/Wire Experience)

McAllister Towing

Staten Island, NY

$758/day

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckely McAllister, bought his first sail lighter to carry cargo from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Today, McAllister's tugs provide a wide variety of services to the busy ports of New York and New Jersey, serving the most concentrated and affluent consumer market in the world and handling a significant part of the 16 million tons of cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are regularly employed in offshore towing along the entire East Coast. 

McAllister is proud of its long history in New York Harbor and continues to provide its clients and customers with the highest quality service.

McAllister Towing of NY is seeking highly qualified Captains.   Duties and Responsibilities are outlined below.  

Captain - Meet the Captains and Mates at McAllister Towing
 
Reports to:
  • The Captain reports to the General Manager or his/her designated representative.
 
Supervises:
  • The Captain is required to supervise all crewmembers of the vessel to which he/she is assigned.  
 
Description of Duties:
  • Master of a tug or towing vessel.
  • Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and maintaining the AWO Alternative Security Program.
  • Responsible to safely and efficiently operate and manage (performance of crew, vessel, and tow).   
  • Serve as Officer in Charge of the Navigation Watch. 
  • Assess and maintain vessel seaworthiness.
  • Ensure the availability and serviceability of required lifesaving equipment.
  • Verify the serviceability of all installed fire detection and firefighting systems and equipment.
  • Require accommodations to be maintained in safe, clean condition at all times.
  • Provide clear direction to subordinates.
  • Prepare periodic performance evaluations for subordinates.
  • Maintain vessel and crew readiness for emergency responses.
  • Conduct and report the results of periodic vessel audits and inspections.
  • Operate and maintain the assigned vessel in accordance with the quality, safety, security and environmental protection policies and procedures in the Vessel Operations Manual.
  • Organize and conduct required training, drills and exercises.
  • Complete, submit and maintain required records, logs and reports.
  • Ensure adequate vessel manning and watches.
  • Project a positive company image and maintain professional, amicable relationships with customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times.
  • Other duties as may be assigned by the General Manager or his/her designated representative.
 
Minimum Requirements:
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential
  • Valid 200 Ton License as Master
  • Master of Towing
  • STCW Certification
  • Valid Radar Endorsement
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Fire Fighting Training
  • Valid TWIC card
  • NY Harbor Experience 
  • Z drive/Twin Screw Tugboat Experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Requirements: 

  • 1,600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
 
Physical Requirements:
 
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Captain to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew.  Specific physical requirements include:
 
  • Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
  • Adequate hearing.Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
  • Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
  • Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
  • Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
  • Sufficient strength to:
    • Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
    • Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
    • Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
    • Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.
 
Salary:  Day Rate: starting at $758 a day
 
FLSA Status
  • Exempt
*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor's instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors. 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
 
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.