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Assistant Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Portland, ME · On-site

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

McAllister Towing

Office Manager

Portland, ME · On-site

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

McAllister Towing

Office Manager

Portland, ME · On-site

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

McAllister Towing

Office Manager

Portland, ME · On-site

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$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

Ordinary Seaman

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$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 ...

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

Ordinary Seafarer Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$17.25/hr

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Shall clean every surface that is a common area utilized by crew(s). * Assist Mate and/or Captain ...

New

Foss Maritime Company

Ordinary Seafarer Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$17.25/hr

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Shall clean every surface that is a common area utilized by crew(s). * Assist Mate and/or Captain ...

New

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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 Sep 7, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Harbor Tug jobs?

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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.

Mate (Pilot)

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Stand wheelman watches (offshore) 12 hours per day.

  • Piloting the vessel in a safe, disciplined, prudent, and orderly manner.

  • Reporting deficiencies in the vessel or crew to the master.

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free food & snacks
  • Health insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Profit sharing
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

Role Objectives: 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 operations working a 21/21 schedule. All Mate (Pilots) must hold the appropriate and unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential, Near Coastal or Oceans route, Medical Credential, Radar Observer license, Radio Operator License, STCW Basic Training, and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.  The Mate (Pilot) must be familiar with and dedicated to the safety, environmental health, security, and maintenance standards of the crew, vessel and company.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Stand wheelman watches (offshore) 12 hours per day.
  • Piloting the vessel in a safe, disciplined, prudent, and orderly manner,
  • Delivering the vessel and crew to the proper destination safely,
  • Maintaining unity, good order, and discipline among the crew, 
  • Under observation by the master, directing the overall operation of the vessel and crew,
  • Familiarizing him/her self with the master’s responsibilities, authority and duties such that he/she is ready, at any moment of incapacitation of the master, of acting as master of the vessel for as long as may be necessary,
  • Training other crewmembers on company policies and procedures,
  • Ensuring that company policies and procedures are followed,
  • Actively participating in drills, training, company meetings and on board safety evolutions, and enhancing the safety and security posture of the vessel,
  • Assisting in vessel orientation for new crewmembers,
  • Reporting deficiencies in the vessel or crew to the master,
  • Maintaining a professional attitude during operations and whenever dealing with customers, partners or company personnel,
  • Other appropriate tasks and duties as may be assigned from time to time by company officials or the master.

Skill Requirements:
  • Effectively and safely maneuver ASD tractor tug.
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing,
  • Effectiveness in operating equipment associated with navigation and communications, such as VHF radios, radar units, AIS receivers, and personal computers,
  • Appropriate vessel handling, navigation, watchstanding and seamanship experience,
  • Strong problem solving ability,
  • Good spatial orientation and assertiveness,
  • Effective social adaptability, interpersonal skills and resilience.

Knowledge Requirements:
  •  Vessel operations and wheelhouse management as would be gained by at least six years of direct, hands-on experience aboard towing vessels in domestic service.
  • Minimum credential of National Mate (Pilot) of Towing on Near Costal.  Prefer National Mate (Pilot) of Towing on Oceans route.  
  • Minimum STCW Basic Training

Education:
  • High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
  • Additional Qualifications:
  • TWIC card and driver’s license required,
  • Must reside in vicinity of Lake Charles, LA or be willing and able to relocate to that area at own expense.
  • Preferred Offshore towing experience

Physical Requirements:
  • Worker will exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
  • Work onboard vessels in the offshore environment. 
  • Requires hearing, talking, grasping quickly, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, crawling and swimming.
  • 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.  Must have normal color vision.
  • 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 area and is required to function in small vessels.