1

Boat Towing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Boat Towing information

See salary details

$13

$22

$40

How much do boat towing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat towing in the United States is $22.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by boat towing professionals on the job?

Boat towing professionals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, navigating crowded or unfamiliar waterways, and handling boats of various sizes and conditions. Working with distressed boaters requires strong communication and problem-solving skills to ensure safety and efficient service. Additionally, coordinating with marinas, coast guards, and other crews is a regular part of the job, making teamwork and adaptability essential traits for success.

What is boat towing?

Boat towing refers to the process of pulling or transporting a disabled, stranded, or non-operational boat using another vessel or a specialized towing service. This service is often used when a boat experiences engine failure, runs aground, or encounters other issues on the water. Professional boat towing companies use specialized equipment and follow safety protocols to ensure the safe and efficient movement of boats to docks, marinas, or repair facilities. Boat towing can also include emergency response and recovery services for recreational and commercial vessels.

What is the difference between Boat Towing vs Marine Transport Driver?

AspectBoat TowingMarine Transport Driver
CredentialsBoat handling licenses, towing certificationsCommercial driver’s license (CDL), transportation certifications
Work EnvironmentMarinas, waterways, docksRoadways, ports, shipping yards
Industry UsageRecreational and small commercial boatsLarge cargo and vessel transport

Boat Towing involves moving boats over water or short distances, often requiring boat handling skills and waterway knowledge. Marine Transport Drivers focus on transporting larger vessels or cargo via road or water, requiring commercial driving licenses and logistics expertise. While both roles involve vessel movement, Boat Towing is more water-centric, whereas Marine Transport Drivers operate mainly on roads or in port environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Towing Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Towing Operator, you need strong seamanship, navigational skills, and typically a valid USCG captain's license or equivalent credentials. Familiarity with marine radios, GPS navigation systems, towing equipment, and basic marine engine maintenance is essential. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills set top operators apart when assisting boaters in distress. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operations and positive outcomes in often challenging and unpredictable marine environments.
More about Boat Towing jobs
What cities are hiring for Boat Towing jobs? Cities with the most Boat Towing job openings:
What states have the most Boat Towing jobs? States with the most job openings for Boat Towing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Boat Towing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Towing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Boat Towing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,733 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Sea Tow Towing Captain (Southern Maine)

Sea Tow Towing Captain (Southern Maine)

Marina Holdings

Bath, ME • On-site

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Sea Tow Assistance Towing Captain

Sea Tow Portland/MidCoast is looking for U.S. Coast Guard licensed Assistance Towing Captains to join our team to provide marine assistance based out of South Portland, Naples, Kennebunk, Bath and Boothbay, Maine. Helping boaters is at the core of who we are and what we do. If you are customer service-oriented, love spending time on the water, and are detail and safety-oriented – a Sea Tow Captain position is ideal. We offer flexible scheduling. This part-time or full-time seasonal position may require weekend hours as needed. We promote continuing education/training at Sea Tow and provide mentors in a fun, friendly work environment.

A Sea Tow Assistance Towing Captain is primarily responsible for operating a Sea Tow vessel, navigating waterways to respond to calls for assistance from boaters in distress, providing towing services, and ensuring the safety of both the towed vessel and its own crew while adhering to maritime regulations. The captain also maintains excellent customer service with boat owners, particularly Sea Tow members.

  • Responding to calls for assistance: Receiving dispatch calls from the Supervisor and promptly navigating to the location of the distressed boat.
  • Performing towing operations: Securely attach the towed vessel to the Sea Tow boat and safely maneuver it to a designated marina or safe harbor.
  • On-water assessments: Evaluating the situation of the disabled boat, identifying potential hazards, and determining the best course of action for towing.
  • Basic mechanical troubleshooting: Minor repairs or adjustments should be made to the distressed vessel to restore operation when possible.
  • Customer interaction: Communicating clearly with boat owners, explaining the towing process, and addressing concerns.
  • Maintaining vessel safety: Regularly inspecting the Sea Tow boat, ensuring all safety equipment is in working order, and adhering to maritime safety regulations.
  • Log keeping and reporting: Documenting towing details, including time, location, vessel information, and any relevant incidents.
  • Greet customers in a friendly, upbeat, courteous, and professional manner.
  • Maintain a calm, positive attitude and constantly meet high-quality, impeccable customer service standards.
  • Familiarize oneself with local waters to provide key local knowledge tips and essential chart guidance.

The requirements below represent knowledge, skills, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Background checks are required for all applicants 21 or over.

  • US Coast Guard Captain's License: Minimum requirement of Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV), and Assistance Towing Endorsement.
  • Pass a pre-employment drug test and submit to enrollment in a random drug testing program
  • Experience in boating operations: Extensive experience handling various types of boats in different weather conditions.
  • Navigation skills: Proficient knowledge of local waterways, including charts, aids to navigation, and marine weather interpretation.
  • Mechanical aptitude: Basic understanding of boat mechanics to troubleshoot minor issues.
  • Excellent customer service skills: Ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively with boat owners, and provide a positive experience. Promote membership growth by speaking with non-members about what Sea Tow offers.
  • Seeking a candidate with a positive outlook, a strong work ethic, and a great team player with a cooperative attitude in working with supervisors and fellow employees.
  • Must be a self-starter and capable of working unsupervised.
  • Organized with a high attention to detail and adhere to all safety policies.
  • Physical ability to lift/carry up to 30 lbs. and be able to board/un-board boats.
  • This position requires the employee to spend significant time outside in all weather conditions, and weekend shifts are required as needed.
  • Prior towing captain experience is a plus, but we will train
  • Must be available to work four shifts a month

Since 1983, Sea Tow has been offering on-water assistance to boaters. With a Sea Tow membership, boaters pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available 24/7/365. Members receive priority services, including boat towing, dock-to-dock towing, nationwide coverage, fuel delivery, battery jump starts, exclusive member savings, and more. Our crew of licensed Coast Guard Captains have an average response time of under an hour. Always ready to help, they regularly patrol and assist boaters in Maine waters from York to Pemaquid Point, Inland Rivers, Sebago Lake, Brandy Pond, and Long Lake.

Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast Towing Captains are based out of the following locations: Spring Point Marina, 1 Spring Point Drive in South Portland; Moose Landing Marina in the Sebago Lakes Region, 32 Moose Landing Trail in Naples; Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St in Bath: Hodgdon Yacht Services Southport Boatyard, 100 Ebenecook Road in Southport; and DiMillo's Marina, 4 Doans Wharf Rd. in Kennebunk.

Marina Holdings, LLC is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.

Salary Description $21.50 - $24.50 per hour (Depending on Experience)