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Inland Towing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Towing Deckhand For more than 70 years, WoodResources has continued to provide marine towing, ship ... Inland waterway experience preferred. PhysicalRequirements: * Candidatesmust pass a pre-employment ...

Towing Deckhand For more than 70 years, Wood Resources has continued to provide marine towing, ship ... Inland waterway experience preferred. Physical Requirements: * Candidates must pass a pre ...

ILLINOIS MARINE TOWING INLAND VESSEL PILOT I. BASIC FUNCTION The Inland Vessel Pilot is responsible for operating Illinois Marine Towing vessels safely and efficiently while transporting barges. This ...

ILLINOIS MARINE TOWING INLAND VESSEL PILOT I. BASIC FUNCTION The Inland Vessel Pilot is responsible for operating Illinois Marine Towing vessels safely and efficiently while transporting barges. This ...

Wood Resources, LLC is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status Towing Deckhand ... Inland waterway experience preferred. PhysicalRequirements: * Candidatesmust pass a pre-employment ...

TANKERMAN

Channelview, TX

$21.50 - $25/hr

Safely and efficiently carrying out the duties of a member of the deck crew onboard inland towing vessels and barges. * Performing hourly checks of the vessel and engine room and logging the activity.

TANKERMAN

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

Safely and efficiently carrying out the duties of a member of the deck crew onboard inland towing vessels and barges. * Performing hourly checks of the vessel and engine room and logging the activity.

TANKERMAN

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

Safely and efficiently carrying out the duties of a member of the deck crew onboard inland towing vessels and barges. * Performing hourly checks of the vessel and engine room and logging the activity.

TANKERMAN

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

Safely and efficiently carrying out the duties of a member of the deck crew onboard inland towing vessels and barges. * Performing hourly checks of the vessel and engine room and logging the activity.

Showing results 21-40

Inland Towing information

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How much do inland towing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for inland towing in the United States is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is inland towing?

Inland towing refers to the transportation of barges, ships, or other vessels along rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. This job typically involves operating towboats or tugboats to move cargo safely and efficiently between ports that are located away from the open sea. Inland towing is crucial for industries such as agriculture, petroleum, and construction, as it allows for the movement of large amounts of goods over long distances. Workers in this field need to have strong navigational skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inland towing operator?

To thrive as an Inland Towing Operator, you need knowledge of navigational practices, vessel operations, and safety procedures, usually supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and relevant endorsements. Familiarity with marine radios, GPS navigation, and towboat-specific equipment is essential for daily operations. Strong communication, teamwork, and situational awareness are vital soft skills for handling dynamic river environments and coordinating with crew. These competencies ensure safe, efficient transport of goods and compliance with maritime regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by inland towing professionals, and how can they be managed on the job?

Inland towing professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating narrow waterways, unpredictable weather conditions, and coordinating with lock and port authorities. These challenges require strong situational awareness, effective communication skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Working as part of a close-knit crew also means collaborating efficiently and maintaining safety standards at all times. Employers typically provide ongoing training and support to help team members manage these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Inland Towing vs Marine Towing?

AspectInland TowingMarine Towing
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), towing certificationsMaritime licenses, STCW certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, inland waterwaysOpen seas, coastal areas
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, inland freight carriersMaritime shipping, port authorities

Inland Towing involves transporting vessels or cargo along rivers and lakes using tugboats or barges, requiring CDL and inland navigation skills. Marine Towing, on the other hand, involves towing ships or large vessels at sea, requiring maritime licenses and sea navigation expertise. Both roles are essential in the shipping industry but differ mainly in environment and certification requirements.

More about Inland Towing jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Inland Towing jobs?

The most popular types of Inland Towing jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Inland Towing jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Inland Towing jobs are:

Infographic showing various Inland Towing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,219 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


American Commercial Barge Line rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ACBL is currently seeking Captains as well as Pilots for their mainline vessels. This position has primary responsibility for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the environment. This position is for our vessels that work primarily in the Canal; however you must be able to work throughout the Inland river system. This position will work 28 days on the vessel and be off 14 days (28/14) or 28 days on the vessel and off 28 days (28/28).
Your Responsibilities - How You Will Make an IMPACT!
  • Ensure that work completed during his/her watch is done in accordance with Company safety policies and practices
  • Navigate the vessel safely at all times
  • Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance
  • Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer
  • Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any hazards associated with said cargoes. CFR 35.05-15b
  • Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the Crew Endurance Management System onboard all vessels
  • Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel's budget
  • Complete required log entries
  • Maintain radio watch as required
  • Report Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDC) barges at pick-up, drop-off, and designated mile points to the Inland River Vessel Movement Center
  • Enforce all rules
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand
  • Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures
  • Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed
  • Provide instructions and information to crew members, ACBL land-based personnel, USCG or lock personnel

Job Qualifications - What You Will Bring to the ACBL Team
  • Must meet USCG physical examination requirements
  • Must be able to travel to and from vessel / training locations via air or car travel (must possess a valid driver's license)
  • Must be able to work one of the following schedules: 28/28 or 28/14
  • Must be able to work a 6 hour on 6 hour off watch or 12 hour watches
  • Must have experience pushing barges (tows of 6 or more preferred)
  • Must be able to climb steep stairs, sit or stand for long periods of time
  • Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions
  • Must maintain valid USCG licensing
  • Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license required
  • Must have an Inland Waters or Near Coastal Endorsement
  • Maintain an active TWIC

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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