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Free Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAPITAL LUMBER COMPANY

Yard Assistant I

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

... the saws or tug • Pick up all foreign material in yard in order to maintain a safe work ... free work on a consistent basis • Ability to read, write, speak and understand English to the ...

CAPITAL LUMBER COMPANY

Yard Assistant I

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$20/hr

May operate a gas powered tug to move lumber products * Package materials and keep packaging area ... Ability to deliver high quality, detailed error free work on a consistent basis * Ability to read ...

Centerline Logistics

Captain

Portland, OR

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is ...

CAPITAL LUMBER COMPANY

Yard Assistant I

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$20/hr

May operate a gas powered tug to move lumber products * Package materials and keep packaging area ... Ability to deliver high quality, detailed error free work on a consistent basis * Ability to read ...

CAPITAL LUMBER COMPANY

Yard Assistant I

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

... the saws or tug • Pick up all foreign material in yard in order to maintain a safe work ... free work on a consistent basis • Ability to read, write, speak and understand English to the ...

G&H Towing Company

Welder / Fabricator

Galveston, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

... free and safe manner • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Install tug and facility equipment • Interpersonal skills, including self-awareness and the ability to deal ...

Anistar Technologies, Inc

Deckhand

Newport News, VA · On-site

Act as a lookout during tug navigation operations. * Perform routine engine room checks, including ... Visit our jobs page: www.nscstaffing.com / NSC Staffing is a drug?free workplace and an equal ...

G&H Towing

Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

Receives orders from the harbor master, agents, and other representatives requiring harbor tug ... The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from ...

Davis Furniture

Upholsterer

High Point, NC · On-site

$20/hr

Must be able to consistently pull and tug to create wrinkle free product * Must work well with others * Must be able to listen to directions and follow them from managers and other team members ...

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All JobsFree Tug Jobs

Free Tug information

See salary details

$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:
What job categories do people searching Free Tug jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Free Tug jobs are:
Free Tug jobs near you
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.
Offshore Deckhand

Offshore Deckhand

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Channelview, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Overview
Maintain the vessels in a state of readiness to perform work for customers as needed. Perform work as directed by captain and/or mate of vessel and assist engineer as requested. Job includes pulling and handling heavy lines, wires, and hoses; working on oil and cargo barges; safely making and breaking tow with barges; general vessel maintenance; and other tasks that may be assigned from time to time.
Responsibilities
The job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Deck must be cleaned and free of lines. Make up all tows as directed by Captain or Mate. Deckhands are to be trained to perform the following skills in addition to other skills required by the captain or mate.
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware and power cords.
  • Required to participate in any training, scheduled by supervisor.
  • Knot tying, line/wire splicing, make up and handle heaving lines and messengers.
  • Make up and throw heaving lines.
  • Perform lubrication services.
  • Properly tie off barge tows.
  • Give proper direction and distance signals and information.
  • Use the radio.
  • Steering the tug.
  • Fuel tug.
  • Empty trash, clean heads and galley daily.
  • Remove all garbage and clean all decks at decrew.
  • Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis.
  • Carry out essential job responsibilities and duties listed above with a minimum of direction.
  • Cleaning heads on tugs daily.
  • Loading supplies.
  • General cleanup of tugs and barges.
  • General cooking and galley duties as may be required.

Qualifications
  • Must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) at the time of hire.
  • At a minimum, candidates must hold valid Basic Training (VI/1) and Security Awareness (VI/6) endorsements at the time of hire
  • Candidates who do not currently hold Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) (VI/6-2) endorsements must be able to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
  • Must have Tankerman PIC Endorsement or obtain one within six (6) months of hire date.
  • Previous Deckhand experience preferred.
  • Valid first aid/CPR certificate.
  • Complete HAZWOPER training within 90 days of hire.
  • Valid TWIC.
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Must be able to comprehend and respond and carry out specific orders from the Captain or Mate.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with Captain, Mate, co-workers, dispatchers, and customers in English.
  • Ability to learn and make application of safety awareness, injury prevention, and firefighting.
  • Ability to get along with crew members in confined quarters for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to understand and use information contained in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English over telephone and/or radio.
  • Previous work experience helpful but not necessary.

Job Condition and Environment
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis which includes the ability to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, kneel while painting, climb onto barges (using "pigeon holes" in side of barge) and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.

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

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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