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Assistant Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

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

Captains

Baltimore, MD

... harbor assist services. McAllister Towing of Baltimore is seeking highly qualified Captains for ... Master of a tug or towing vessel. * Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and ...

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 ...

New

McAllister Towing

Captains

Baltimore, MD · On-site

... harbor assist services. McAllister Towing of Baltimore is seeking highly qualified Captains for ... Master of a tug or towing vessel. * Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and ...

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 ...

Young Brothers

First Mate

Honolulu, HI · On-site

... and proficient manner. 4. Assist in docking of barges in a safe and proficient manner. 5. ... both harbor and interisland waters; must have good, proven judgment in operating tug and in ...

New

Young Brothers LLC

First Mate

Honolulu, HI · On-site

... and proficient manner. 4. Assist in docking of barges in a safe and proficient manner. 5. ... both harbor and interisland waters; must have good, proven judgment in operating tug and in ...

Foss Maritime

Deckhand - Richmond, CA

Richmond, CA · On-site

$35.59/hr

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Properly make and break barge tows, raft tows, etc. * Assist Mate and/or Captain as required. What ...

Foss Maritime

Deckhand - Richmond, CA

Richmond, CA

$35.59/hr

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Properly make and break barge tows, raft tows, etc. * Assist Mate and/or Captain as required. What ...

Foss Maritime

2nd/3rd Mate Oceans

Seattle, WA

$30/hr

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

$41.66 - $57.55/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.

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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 Jun 12, 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, and why are they important?

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 are Assistant Harbor Tugs?

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:
Assistant Harbor Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Harbor Tug job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.
Inland Captain

Inland Captain

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Bayonne, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Overview
Responsible for the safe transportation of the assigned barge(s) and for the safety of the cargo, vessel(s) and crew. Responsible for safe docking of ships, (when applicable). Required to perform administrative and supervisory functions. Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge.
Responsibilities
The job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Oversees safety of vessel
  • Stands wheelhouse watches underway.
  • Direct crew in performance of drills.
  • Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary.
  • Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Company policies and regulations.
  • Prepare, monitor, and update vessel work lists and maintenance schedules.
  • Ensure all crewmen are performing their duties.
  • Prepare written reports per company and regulatory agency directives.
  • Check and approve all requisitions and work orders.
  • Ensure supplies are used on an efficient manner, inventory and prepare material requisitions
  • Conduct inspections and monitor tug/barge maintenance activities.
  • Assign work projects for crew.
  • Inspect cleanliness of the vessel and barge.
  • Purchase food for crew.
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Must be able to effectively direct workers in assigning jobs and seeing them through to completion.
  • Valid TWIC
  • Must have a valid first aid certificate.
  • Must have valid CPR training.
  • Must have a valid HAZWOPER certificate or complete a 24 hour training course within 30days from date of hire.
  • Must have valid GMDSS operator endorsement.
  • Must be able to direct, fairly evaluate, and correct performance of subordinates.
  • Must have valid states driver's license.
  • Valid radio operator's license.
  • Must be able to understand and use information in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Must be able to work independently and without direct supervision.

REGIONAL SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
  • Valid Coast Guard license, minimum Master 200 GT near Coastal, with a radar observer endorsement.
  • Valid Master of Towing near Coastal endorsement.
  • Five (5) years of experience towing barges as Master in New York Harbor, North River, and Long Island Sound.

Job Condition and Environment
  • Ability to get along with crew members in confined quarters for prolonged periods of time
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis and physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Must not be afraid of heights.

Expected Hours of Work
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours
  • Willing to take call outs.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.

Company Overview
Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.
The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.

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