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Assistant Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... to assist in berthing; 2) Supervising the deck crew in the operation and general upkeep of the tug ... Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Mate of Towing Vessels-Inland with ...

$35.90 - $41.99/hr

... to assist in berthing; 2) Supervising the deck crew in the operation and general upkeep of the tug ... Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Mate of Towing Vessels-Inland with ...

The role of harbor tug Deckhand is to assist the tug Master and crew in the timely, efficient, and ... deckhand and Mate (Pilot), * Rapidly acquiring expertise in company policies and procedures,

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Assistant Tug Mate information

What is an assistant tug mate?

Assistant Tug Mates are maritime professionals who support the Tug Master in operating and navigating tugboats. Their responsibilities include assisting with vessel maneuvering, maintaining safety protocols, and handling lines during docking and undocking operations. They also help with communication between the tugboat and other vessels or harbor authorities. Assistant Tug Mates are essential for ensuring that towing operations are conducted efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant tug mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Tug Mate, you need a solid understanding of maritime navigation, vessel operations, and safety procedures, often backed by relevant maritime certifications such as STCW and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with tugboat-specific equipment, electronic navigation systems, and communication tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help ensure smooth operations and safety on board. These competencies are crucial for safely assisting with vessel maneuvers, maintaining operational efficiency, and preventing accidents in demanding marine environments.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant tug mate during vessel operations?

Assistant Tug Mates often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, tight maneuvering spaces in busy ports, and coordinating with diverse crews and pilots. They must stay vigilant to ensure safety during towing, berthing, and unberthing operations, especially during night shifts or adverse weather. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the role requires close collaboration with the Tug Master, deckhands, and shore personnel to execute tasks smoothly and respond promptly to any issues.

What is the difference between Assistant Tug Mate vs Deckhand?

AspectAssistant Tug MateDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Marine CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Marine Certifications
Work EnvironmentOn tugboats, maritime settingsOn ships, maritime settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting tug operations, safety tasksGeneral ship maintenance, deck duties
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping companiesMaritime, shipping companies

Both Assistant Tug Mates and Deckhands work in maritime environments and require similar safety certifications. However, Assistant Tug Mates typically focus on assisting tug operations and safety tasks, while Deckhands handle broader deck maintenance and general ship duties. The roles often overlap but differ in specific responsibilities within maritime crews.

More about Assistant Tug Mate jobs

What cities are hiring for Assistant Tug Mate jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Tug Mate job openings:

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

The most popular types of Tug Mate jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant Tug Mate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Tug Mate jobs include:

Infographic showing various Assistant Tug Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Centerline Logistics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders and directions of the Captain. Must be prepared to assume command in the event of incapacity of the Captain. Responsible for safely making and breaking tow with barges, handling lines and wires. Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of the vessel.


  • Stands wheelhouse watch alternating with Captain. 
  • Oversees safety of vessel including all installed equipment and inspections thereof.
  • Maintains chart corrections and light lists for Area of Operations. 
  • Instructs Deckhands in seamanship skills. 
  • Assists Captain in barge landings and must be able to communicate distances and directions to Captain accurately and concisely. 
  • Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary.
  • Inspecting for cleanliness of vessel.
  • Inventory supplies and order as appropriate.
  • Monitor onboard usage to ensure supplies are utilized in an efficient manner
  • Ability to live in confined spaces and get along with crew members for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to instruct deckhand on use of all tools and machinery onboard vessel.
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, and winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware, and power cords.

  • Previous experience as a Mate or Master on an ATB unit, oil barge experience preferred.
  • Must have a valid Coast Guard license, Minimum 1600Ton Mate, Near Coastal with radar observer endorsement.
  • Must have Master/Mate of Towing Endorsement, Near Coastal.
  • GMDSS, ECDIS
  • Advanced Firefighting
  • 3+ years of barge experience preferred.
  • PIC (Barge)
  • Vessel Security Officer
  • Must have STCW 95.
  • Must be able to train assigned workers. 
  • Must be able to fairly evaluate subordinates.
  • Must be able to understand and use information in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Must have a valid first aid certificate.
  • Must have CPR training.
  • Complete HAZWOPER training within 30 days of hire.
  • Valid State Driver’s License.

  • 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.

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

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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