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Harbor Tug Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Portland, ME · On-site

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Portland, ME

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

Sause Bros Inc

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

Sause Bros.

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

Sause Bros

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ... harbor regulations. 9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per ...

McAllister Towing

Office Manager

Portland, ME · On-site

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

McAllister Towing

Office Manager

Portland, ME

... harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin ... He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ...

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Harbor Tug information

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$290K

$400K

How much do harbor tug jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for harbor tug in the United States is $393,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $400,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a harbor tug?

A Harbor Tug job involves operating or assisting in the maneuvering of tugboats to guide large vessels safely in and out of harbors, docks, and narrow waterways. Harbor tug crews help with berthing, unberthing, and towing operations, ensuring ships navigate tight spaces efficiently. Responsibilities may include deck operations, engine maintenance, and communication with port authorities. This role requires maritime experience, knowledge of tugboat operations, and adherence to safety regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by harbor tug operators on the job?

Harbor Tug operators frequently work in dynamic and sometimes hazardous conditions, including poor weather, strong currents, or congested harbors, which require quick decision-making and expert navigation skills. Daily responsibilities often involve close coordination with vessel pilots, port staff, and other tug crews to maneuver large ships safely in and out of docking spaces. Additionally, operators may work irregular hours or be on-call to respond to urgent harbor needs. These challenges demand adaptability, attention to safety, and effective communication to ensure smooth port operations and minimize risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the harbor tug position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Harbor Tug operator, you need practical seamanship skills, knowledge of harbor navigation, and often a valid merchant mariner credential or appropriate licensing. Familiarity with marine radio systems, tug-specific controls, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew and port authorities. These skills ensure safe, efficient vessel maneuvering and help prevent accidents in the challenging and busy harbor environment.

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What cities are hiring for Harbor Tug jobs?

Cities with the most Harbor Tug job openings:

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

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What states have the most Harbor Tug jobs?

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Harbor Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harbor Tug job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $393,215 per year, or $189 per hour.

Able Bodied Seafarer (AB)

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare the tug and deck machinery to enable the tug to get underway, perform work, or conduct maintenance.

  • Monitor the performance, safety, and cleanliness of the tug, its decks and lower holds, ground tackle, lines and hawsers.

  • Perform maintenance on all assigned equipment and systems under the direction of the master, mate, Marine Superintendent, or management.

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free food & snacks
  • Health insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Profit sharing
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

Role Objectives: The role of Able Bodied Seafarer (AB) is to serve as lead deckhand to assist the tug Master in the timely, efficient, and orderly operation and management of the company’s tug.  This position is for nationwide offshore towing operations working a 21/21 schedule. AB must hold the appropriate and unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential, STCW Basic Training, Medical Credential, and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.  The AB must be familiar with and dedicated to the safety, environmental health, security, and maintenance standards of the crew, vessel and company.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Preparing the tug and deck machinery to enable the tug to get underway, perform work, or conduct maintenance,
  • Monitoring the performance, safety, and cleanliness of the tug, its decks and lower holds, ground tackle, lines and hawsers, including but not limited to handling lines on deck,
  • Performing maintenance on all assigned equipment and systems under the direction of the master, mate, Marine Superintendent, or management,
  • Assisting in the engine room, in sanitary duties, with interior and topside maintenance, taking on water, fuel and lubes, or otherwise as needed and directed,
  • Contributing to unity, good order, and discipline among the crew, 
  • Training other crewmembers on company policies and procedures,
  • Ensuring that company policies and procedures are followed,
  • Actively participating in drills, training, company meetings and on board safety evolutions, and enhancing the safety and security posture of the vessel,
  • Assisting in vessel orientation for new crewmembers,
  • Reporting deficiencies in the vessel or crew to the engineer and/or master,
  • Maintaining a professional attitude during operations and whenever dealing with customers, partners or company personnel,
  • Other appropriate tasks and duties as may be assigned from time to time by company officials or the master.
Skill Requirements:
  •  Manual dexterity,
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing,
  • Strong problem solving ability and responsiveness,
  • Good spatial orientation,
  • Effective social adaptability, interpersonal skills and resilience.
Knowledge Requirements:
  • Vessel operations as would be gained by at least one year of direct, hands-on experience in the Deck Department aboard towing vessels in domestic service, or similar experience,
  • Minimum unexpired credential of National Able Bodied Seafarer (AB) Limited. 
  • Minimum STCW Basic Safety Training 
Education:
  • High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
Additional Qualifications:
  • TWIC card and driver’s license required,
  • Must reside in vicinity of Lake Charles, LA or surrounding area. be willing and able to relocate to that area at own expense. 
Physical Requirements:
  • Worker will exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
  • Work onboard vessels in the offshore environment. 
  • Requires hearing, talking, grasping quickly, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, crawling and swimming.
  • Worker is required to have the ability to see details at a distance and depth perception to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away, or to judge the distance between him/her and an object.  Must have normal color vision.
  • The worker is subject to environmental conditions with no protection from weather. 
  • The worker is subject to noise, vibration, hazards, and is frequently in close quarters and small enclosed area and is required to function in small vessels.