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Free Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

... free" work environment · Responsible for the safe transportation of barges vessels and crew · Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge · Direct crew in the performance of ...

GARNEY As a Tug Boat Operator in Buford, GA at Garney Construction, you will be responsible for the ... Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace . Agency Disclaimer: A ll vendors must have a ...

GARNEY As a Tug Boat Operator in Buford, GA at Garney Construction, you will be responsible for the ... Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace . Agency Disclaimer: A ll vendors must have a ...

GARNEY As a Tug Boat Operator in Buford, GA at Garney Construction, you will be responsible for the ... Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace . Agency Disclaimer: A ll vendors must have a ...

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Free Tug information

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$10

$67

$125

How much do free tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for free 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 a Tugboat Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, typically supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential and relevant endorsements. Familiarity with radar, radio communication systems, and towing equipment is essential for daily operations. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for managing challenging marine environments. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe vessel maneuvering, protect crew and cargo, and maintain efficient port or harbor operations.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Tugboat Operator, and how do they collaborate with other maritime professionals?

Tugboat Operators are primarily responsible for maneuvering vessels in harbors, rivers, or at sea by towing or pushing ships and barges. On a typical day, they coordinate closely with ship captains, harbor pilots, and dockworkers to ensure safe and efficient vessel movements. They also conduct equipment inspections, maintain communication with the crew, and respond quickly to changing weather or traffic conditions. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as operators often rely on real-time updates from other maritime professionals to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations.

What are Free Tugs?

Free tugs are tugboats that are not currently assigned to a specific vessel or task and are available to provide assistance as needed in a port or harbor. They play a crucial role in helping ships maneuver safely, especially during docking, undocking, and navigating confined waters. Having free tugs available ensures that ports can operate efficiently and respond quickly to emergencies or changes in vessel schedules. Tugboat operators coordinate the deployment of free tugs based on real-time demand and port traffic.

What is the difference between Free Tug vs Crane Operator?

AspectFree TugCrane Operator
Required CredentialsBasic maritime certifications, safety trainingCrane operation licenses, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentPorts, ships, maritime settingsConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, maritime industryConstruction, manufacturing, shipping
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Free Tugs are specialized vessels used primarily in maritime environments to assist ships with docking and maneuvering. Crane Operators, on the other hand, operate cranes in various industries like construction and shipping. While both roles involve heavy equipment and safety certifications, Free Tugs focus on maritime tasks, whereas Crane Operators work in land-based settings. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path based on their skills and industry interests.

More about Free Tug jobs
What states have the most Free Tug jobs? States with the most job openings for Free Tug jobs include:
Infographic showing various Free Tug job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.
Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

MILLERS TUG AND BARGE INC.

New York, NY • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Tug Mate of Towing

OVERVIEW

Since 1977, Miller's Launch's most important goal is to please customers on, near or across the waters in New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ) and Connecticut (CT). Since then we have had vessels work up and down all coasts of the US as well as internationally. The Company policy has always been to conduct its business in such a way to strive for excellence in safeguarding employees, equipment, the public and environment, zero harm to people, zero incident and zero spill. The Company recognizes that it is vital, and essential to integrate safety into all operations and activities.

From the solitary launch passenger to the largest corporate accounts, our prime objective is customer satisfaction through our "can-do" attitude. For Miller's Launch, there is no such thing as after-hours. We serve the port of the Tri-State Area 24 hours a day, providing prompt response and stellar marine support.

Miller's Launch's marine professionals and top-notch equipment will assure the success of your task. Our personnel are federally licensed operators, certified welders, custom fabricators and fully trained and certified pollution and environmental specialists. Miller’s Launch operates a fleet of about 70 pieces of floating equipment including but not limited to: offshore supply vessels, tugboats, crew boats, utility boats, launch boats, small work boats, rib boats, roll-on roll-off systems, barges and cranes.

Miller’s Launch isn’t just supply boats, tugboats or launch boats we adapt to our clients’ needs and wants. From moving heavy equipment or trucks on and off islands, to offshore wind support, emergency oil spill response, to film/photo/drone shoots and productions.

Our business is the water.

POSITION:

Millers Launch Inc. is seeking a qualified individual to fill a full-time position as a Tug Mate, working a two week on two week off rotation. The successful candidate will be responsible for the management and documentation of widespread safety, health and environmental policies for the vessel. This individual will be responsible for the vessel’s compliance with local, state, federal and international laws and regulations pertaining to navigation, safety, health, and environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Work as directed by Towing and/or project personnel

· Stand wheelhouse watch on the assigned vessel

· Comply with all state and federal regulatory requirements

· Responsible for executing MT&B Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) aboard the assigned vessel

· Preparation, management, and facilitation of safety meetings and safety drills

· Complete Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and or Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA)

· Delegate daily tasks to the crew to ensure operational readiness

· Oversees training and mentoring of crew members

· Follows company and work site safety policies/procedures and commits to an “incident and injury-free” work environment

· Responsible for the safe transportation of barges vessels and crew

· Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge

· Direct crew in the performance of drills

· Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary

· Prepare, monitor, and update vessel work lists and maintenance schedules

· Ensure all crewmen are performing their duties

· Work aboard boats and barges using heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs as needed

· Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

· 5+ years total experience with at least 2+ years of experience in a Mate role

· Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) Master 100 Ton Near Coastal

· Mate of Towing endorsement

· Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

· CPR/AED First Aid Certification

· Driver's License

· Knowledge of NY Harbor a Plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Must be able to tolerate rough seas, vibrations, heat, harsh weather conditions, confined spaces, and high noise levels

· Work will frequently require individuals to push, pull, bend or stand for long periods of time, and climb ladders that have capacity limits of 300 lbs.

· Must be able to lift or carry miscellaneous equipment, supplies, and parts up to 50 lbs. unassisted

· Ability to maneuver through/in/around small and/or confined areas within a vessel, as applicable Must be able to maintain both static and dynamic standing balance to complete various duties associated with the job

· Must be capable of performing emergency duties as listed in the vessel’s station bill when onboard a vessel

BENEFITS:

Miller’s Launch offers excellent benefits for medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match, and PTO.

Millers Launch is an equal-opportunity employer.

Company Description

Providing First-Class Marine Service Since 1977.
Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller's Towing and Salvage are marine support companies with local offices on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast. Our Local knowledge helps us provide the best marine support that our customers have come to depend on.