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Line Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boat Pilot

Ceredo, WV ยท On-site

Pilots must stay in constant communication with deckhand, dockhand, barge loader and/or traffic department for line-up requirements. Other duties include maintenance of the boat and housekeeping.

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

The work schedule follows either a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation (Line Boat) or a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation (Fleet Boat), working 12-hour shifts. All Pilots must possess a current U.S.

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

The work schedule follows either a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation (Line Boat) or a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation (Fleet Boat), working 12-hour shifts. All Pilots must possess a current U.S.

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

The work schedule follows either a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation (Line Boat) or a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation (Fleet Boat), working 12-hour shifts. All Pilots must possess a current U.S.

The work schedule follows either a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation (Line Boat) or a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation (Fleet Boat), working 12-hour shifts. All Pilots must possess a current U.S.

Deckhand

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

The work schedule consists of 21 days on and 21 days off (Line Boat) or 14 days on and 7 days off (Fleet Boat), working 12 hour shifts. *All applicants must have favorable work references and must ...

A & A RIVERWAYS ORDER FULFILLMENT

Cairo, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

You get to fulfil crews' favorite potato chips or a line boat cooks favorite cake mix to keep the riverways fueled and moving. Grocery delivery is an integral part of the transportation industry and ...

Deckhand

Inland, NE ยท On-site

The work schedule consists of 21 days on and 21 days off (Line Boat) or 14 days on and 7 days off (Fleet Boat), working 12 hour shifts. *All applicants must have favorable work references and must ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

Successful candidate must be able to work and communicate well with tender boat crew and line boat crew. This position requires the ability to recognize hazards, communicate such hazards to ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Successful candidate must be able to work and communicate well with tender boat crew and line boat crew. This position requires the ability to recognize hazards, communicate such hazards to ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

Successful candidate must be able to work and communicate well with tender boat crew and line boat crew. This position requires the ability to recognize hazards, communicate such hazards to ...

Handle line boat rigging and account for facility owned rigging * Communicate in clear, well-spoken English with other crew members in person and over radios * Perform regularly scheduled routine and ...

Push boat Captain Status: Full-time, Rotational Schedule Company: Host Crewing, LLC Reports To: UBT ... side-line handling, assist tug operation, and barge maintenance. * Responsible for deck side ...

Handle line boat rigging and account for facility owned rigging * Communicate in clear, well-spoken English with other crew members in person and over radios * Perform regularly scheduled routine and ...

Coordinate between boat and shore side staff to ensure safe operation of barge movements in respect to daily schedule, weather, shore side-line handling, assist tug operation, and barge maintenance.

Handle line boat rigging and account for facility owned rigging * Communicate in clear, well-spoken English with other crew members in person and over radios * Perform regularly scheduled routine and ...

Coordinate between boat and shore side staff to ensure safe operation of barge movements in respect to daily schedule, weather, shore side-line handling, assist tug operation, and barge maintenance.

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Line Boat information

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$12

$20

$32

How much do line boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for line boat in the United States is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Line Boat Operator, you need a solid understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, typically supported by a relevant maritime certification or license. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and maintenance tools is essential for daily operations. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with crew and ensuring safe passage. These skills and qualities are vital to prevent accidents, maintain vessel integrity, and ensure efficient transport or towing operations on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by line boat operators, and how can they best prepare for them?

Line boat operators often work in dynamic environments where weather conditions, water currents, and vessel traffic can pose significant challenges. Navigating safely, handling lines efficiently, and communicating clearly with other crew members are essential skills. To prepare, operators can benefit from hands-on training, staying up-to-date on safety protocols, and developing strong situational awareness. Building good teamwork and maintaining physical fitness also contribute to success in this demanding maritime role.

What are line boats and what do they do?

Line boats, also known as line-handling boats, are small utility vessels used in ports and harbors to assist larger ships with mooring and unmooring operations. Their primary role is to carry and handle the heavy ropes (lines) that secure ships to docks or piers. Line boat crews work closely with ship crews and dockworkers to ensure vessels are safely and efficiently tied up or released, which is crucial for port safety and smooth operations. These boats are essential for maneuvering large ships in confined spaces where precision and teamwork are required.

What is the difference between Line Boat vs Deckhand?

AspectLine BoatDeckhand
CredentialsMaritime certifications, safety trainingBasic maritime safety, STCW certifications often required
Work EnvironmentSmall to medium vessels, close to shore or offshoreOn larger ships or boats, assisting with maintenance and operations
Industry UsageFishing, recreational, or small commercial vesselsCommercial shipping, yachting, and offshore industries
Common Search/ComparisonLine BoatDeckhand

The main difference between a Line Boat and a Deckhand lies in their roles and vessel types. A Line Boat typically refers to smaller vessels used for specific tasks like towing or support, requiring maritime certifications. A Deckhand is a crew member on larger ships or yachts, assisting with maintenance, safety, and operations. While both roles involve maritime work, their work environments and responsibilities differ based on vessel size and industry focus.

More about Line Boat jobs
What cities are hiring for Line Boat jobs? Cities with the most Line Boat job openings:
What states have the most Line Boat jobs? States with the most job openings for Line Boat jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Line Boat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Line Boat jobs are:
Infographic showing various Line Boat job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,071 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Boat Pilot

Boat Pilot

SunCoke Energy

Ceredo, WV โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Boat Pilot

Job Summary: Boat Pilots are responsible for the safe operation of tugboats, managing the vessel and crew, handling loaded and empty barges, and maintaining fleets. Pilots must stay in constant communication with deckhand, dockhand, barge loader and/or traffic department for line-up requirements. Other duties include maintenance of the boat and housekeeping. Pilots must perform pre-shift inspections and comply with all Coast Guard regulations.

- Must be capable of occasionally lifting up to 100 pounds

- Must possess a valid pilot's license issued by the coast guard

- Must possess a valid TWIC card

- Must be willing to deck for other pilots if necessary

- Must perform other duties as assigned

Boat Pilot Schedule: 7 days on 2 days off, 7 nights on 5 days off. Shifts are 12 hours

Equal Opportunity Employer