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Assistant Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Staten Island, NY

$315/day

In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are ... The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$633/day

In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are ... The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations ...

Foss Maritime

Abled Bodied Seafarer - Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$480/day

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Stand lookout watches, when required. * Assist Mate and/or Captain as required. What We're Looking ...

Foss Maritime

Abled Bodied Seafarer - Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$480/day

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Stand lookout watches, when required. * Assist Mate and/or Captain as required. What We're Looking ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Deckhand

Morehead City, NC · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

... ship-assist operations around the Morehead City Harbor, Beaufort Inlet and surrounding area ... Working on deck, including ship docking and tug mooring operations. * Conducting engine room rounds ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Luling, LA · On-site

$36 - $75/hr

Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * Work safely in a marine setting. * Walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time.

Foss Maritime

2nd/3rd Mate Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$720/day

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... ship assist methods. * Required to understand the fundamentals of propulsion on the vessels they ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$52.08 - $62.73/hr

Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * Work safely in a marine setting. * Walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time.

Foss Maritime

2nd/3rd Mate Oceans

Seattle, WA

$720/day

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... ship assist methods. * Required to understand the fundamentals of propulsion on the vessels they ...

Foss Maritime Company

2nd/3rd Mate Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$720/day

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... ship assist methods. * Required to understand the fundamentals of propulsion on the vessels they ...

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Assistant Harbor Tug information

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$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.
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Assistant Harbor Tug jobs near you
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.

Master of Towing

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Role Objectives: Serve as Master or Relief Master for offshore stern tow operation bases out of Lake Charles, LA. When not serving in the offshore stern towing capacity the position will be conducting ship assist work in the Calcasieu ship channel.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and performance of the crew, vessel, and tow
  • The Captain/pilot must also strive to see that company policy, rules, and regulations are followed
  • Must report to the office all violations of policy or violations of federal, state, or local laws
  • Conducting monthly drills and safety meetings in accordance with policies and procedures
  • Ensure that work completed in accordance with Company safety policies and practices.
  • Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance
  • Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel’s budget
  • Complete required log entries, Maintain radio watch as required
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand
  • Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures
  • Provide instructions and information to crew members, land-based personnel, and USCG or lock personnel

Skill Requirements:
  • Retain a USCG Master of Towing Vessels license endorsed for service
  • Able to work 7 and 7 or other scheduled as required by Company
  • Meet USCG physical examination requirements
  • Maintain an active TWIC
Knowledge Requirements:
  • Tug Operations with strong stern tow knowledge. 
  • ASD Tractor knowledge 
  • Equipment maintenance 
Education:
  • High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
Additional Qualifications:
  • Two to five years of experience as a boat captain required.
  • Two years’ experience with ASD Tractor Tug with stern tow open ocean 
Physical Requirements:
  • Worker will exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds of force frequently and up to 10 pounds of force constantly.
  • Requires hearing, talking, grasping, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and crawling.
  • Worker is required to have the ability to see details at a distance and depth perception to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away, or to judge the distance between him/her and an object.  Additionally, the worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.
  • The worker is subject to environmental conditions with no protection from weather.  
  • The worker is subject to noise, vibration, hazards, and is frequently in close quarters and small enclosed rooms and is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.