1

Assistant Tugboat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relief Mate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$25/hr

... the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker . They serve as a teacher and leader of the crew. They create and ... Occasional trips beyond New York Harbor on both operational vessels with similar programming occur ...

CAPTAIN

Little Rock, AR

$175K - $200K/yr

Coordinates with airplane Flight Test Engineer (FTE), Safety Inspectors (SI), and appropriate ... Flight crew for DFJC customer acceptance, ferry, and delivery flights. Assist in Certification ...

Apply Early

CAPTAIN

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Coordinates with airplane Flight Test Engineer (FTE), Safety Inspectors (SI), and appropriate ... Flight crew for DFJC customer acceptance, ferry, and delivery flights. Assist in Certification ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Tugboat Engineer information

See salary details

$33K

$88.8K

$134.5K

How much do assistant tugboat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant tugboat engineer in the United States is $88,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Tugboat Engineers during daily operations?

Assistant Tugboat Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining engine performance in varying weather conditions, troubleshooting mechanical issues under time pressure, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They must quickly adapt to unexpected repairs while at sea and work closely with the Chief Engineer and deck crew to coordinate maintenance tasks. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as the ability to work in confined spaces and manage fatigue during long shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Tugboat Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Tugboat Engineer, you need a solid understanding of marine engineering principles, engine maintenance, and repair, often supported by a relevant maritime engineering qualification or Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with marine propulsion systems, auxiliary equipment, and diagnostic tools is essential, as is compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and attention to detail help you excel in the dynamic and sometimes hazardous environment of tugboat operations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring vessel reliability, operational safety, and the efficient support of maritime activities.

What are Assistant Tugboat Engineers?

Assistant Tugboat Engineers are maritime professionals who support the chief engineer in maintaining and operating the mechanical and electrical systems aboard tugboats. Their responsibilities include assisting with engine maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical issues, monitoring fuel and lubricant levels, and ensuring all systems function safely and efficiently. They often work in challenging conditions and must comply with strict safety and environmental regulations. This role is crucial for the smooth operation of tugboats, which help maneuver larger vessels in ports and harbors.

What is the difference between Assistant Tugboat Engineer vs Deckhand?

AspectAssistant Tugboat EngineerDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Engine Room CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Basic Seamanship
Work EnvironmentEngine room, technical maintenanceDeck, exterior of vessel, cargo handling
ResponsibilitiesAssist engine maintenance, monitor machineryDeck operations, mooring, cargo

The Assistant Tugboat Engineer primarily focuses on engine room tasks and machinery maintenance, requiring technical certifications. In contrast, a Deckhand handles deck operations and cargo tasks. Both roles are essential in tugboat operations but differ in technical scope and daily duties.

More about Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Tugboat Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tugboat Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Tugboat Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs are:
Internal Auditor/Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) Manager

Internal Auditor/Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) Manager

McAllister Towing

Staten Island, NY • On-site

$140K/yr

Full-time

Posted just now


Key responsibilities

  • Provide training in a wide variety of marine subjects and settings.

  • Conduct internal audits of vessels and office and lead safety meetings.

  • Inspect the NY and CT fleet and facilities and work with vessel crews and local staff to ensure achievement of company goals in engineering, human resources, operations, quality, safety, security, and environmental areas.


Job description


ABOUT US:
McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley 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 proudly supports veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Experience gained through military service in safety management, quality assurance, inspections, audits, compliance, training, engineering, vessel operations, maritime security, and leadership is highly valued. Veterans with U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, Military Sealift Command, Army Watercraft, or other maritime and operational backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Internal Auditor/Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) Manager:
McAllister Towing of NY is seeking highly qualified Internal Auditor/Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) Manager.
Description of Duties:
  • Provide Training in a wide variety of marine subjects and settings.
  • Provide Technical expertise and conflict resolution in marine towing and compliance issues.
  • Inspect the NY and CT fleet and facilities. Work with vessels crews and local staff to ensure they have the skills and resources necessary to achieve the company's engineering, human resources, operational, quality, safety, security, and environmental goals.
  • Communicate effectively with vessel crews and shore-side staff.
  • Conduct Internal Audits of vessels and office.
  • Conduct drill assessments and lead safety meetings
  • Tracks computer-based training modules
  • Track and service safety equipment on vessels such as but not limited to life rafts, firefighting, hydrostatic release, EPRIB, etc.
  • Assist with maintenance and further development of the Company's Fleet Management System.
  • Perform duties as Captain on a call out basis as workload dictates.
  • Other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:
  • ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor and ISM Auditor training
  • Prior experience auditing and conducting training in a marine environment.
  • Superior communication, presentation, and software skills.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of company, industry, and regulatory standards for the operation and maintenance of towing vessels with ability to apply that knowledge during vessel inspections.
  • Understand the theory and practice required for ISPS, MTSA, AWO RCP, ISM, and ISO 9001 certifications.
  • Current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential Master/Master of Towing with 500 gross tons rating, radar endorsement. Master 1600 GRT/Master of Towing endorsements, and GMDSS license are preferred.
  • Proficiency in Twin-Screw tugs required. Z-drive tug experience is a plus
  • STCW Certification
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
  • Valid driver's license

Physical Requirements:
As the Internal Auditor/Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) Manager the physical requirements are the following:
  • The ability to use a computer terminal.
  • The ability to operate telephones and standard office equipment.

Additionally, the physical requirements as a standby Captain can be unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous. The 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.

FLSA Status: Administrative Exempt
Salary: Annual - $140,000.00.
Reports to: VP/General Manager of the Port of New York and Connecticut.
Supervises: None
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.