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Port Towing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain ... Port Engineer Reports to: The Port Engineer is directly responsible and accountable to the Vice ...

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain ... Port Engineer Reports to: The Port Engineer is directly responsible and accountable to the Vice ...

At G&H Towing, we value our people and invest in their growth, our fleet, and safety measures. We ... The Port Engineer supports the engineering departmental goals, the engineering department staff ...

Port Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$103K - $114K/yr

Moran Towing Corporation (www.morantug.com) has an opportunity available for a Port Engineer for Moran Baltimore . This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position reporting to the General Manager.

McAllister Towing of Virgina has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and ...

JOB SUMMARY The Port Engineer supports the engineering departmental goals, engineering department ... Must be a team player and support the mission, vision, and goals of G&H Towing and the department

JOB SUMMARY The Port Engineer supports the engineering departmental goals, engineering department ... Must be a team player and support the mission, vision, and goals of G&H Towing and the department

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Port Towing information

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$13

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$40

How much do port towing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for port towing in the United States is $22.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Port Towing Operator, you need strong seamanship skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and usually a valid captain’s license or maritime certification. Proficiency in using navigation systems, tow winches, VHF radios, and tugboat handling equipment is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for safely maneuvering vessels in busy port environments. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and timely movement of ships, preventing accidents and supporting port operations.

What are some common challenges faced by port towing professionals and how can they be managed?

Port towing professionals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, tight maneuvering spaces, and coordinating with multiple vessels and port authorities. Effective communication and strong teamwork are essential to manage these situations safely and efficiently. Adhering to safety protocols and participating in regular training also help in minimizing risks and ensuring smooth operations. Staying adaptable and proactive in addressing mechanical or scheduling issues further contributes to success in this dynamic environment.

What is port towing?

Port towing refers to the service of moving ships, boats, or other vessels within a harbor or port using tugboats or other specialized equipment. This process is essential for guiding large vessels safely to docks, berths, or out of the port, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces or challenging conditions. Port towing ensures the efficient and safe handling of maritime traffic, preventing accidents and facilitating the smooth operation of shipping activities. Tug operators and crew must be skilled in navigation, communication, and safety procedures. The job often requires coordination with harbor authorities and other maritime professionals.

What is the difference between Port Towing vs Port Crane Operator?

AspectPort TowingPort Crane Operator
Required CredentialsCommercial driver's license, maritime trainingCrane operation certification, OSHA training
Work EnvironmentMaritime, on water, tugboats, port areasPort terminals, onshore, crane cabins
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authoritiesPort terminals, logistics companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Port Towing involves operating tugboats to move ships or barges within port areas, requiring maritime skills and licenses. Port Crane Operators focus on operating cranes to load and unload cargo, requiring specialized certification. Both roles are essential in port logistics but differ in environment and skill set.

More about Port Towing jobs
What cities are hiring for Port Towing jobs? Cities with the most Port Towing job openings:
What states have the most Port Towing jobs? States with the most job openings for Port Towing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Port Towing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Port Towing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Port Towing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $47,733 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Port Engineer

Port Engineer

McAllister Towing

Staten Island, NY • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Description
McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first sail lighter to carry cargo from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Today, McAllister's tugs provide a wide variety of services to the busy ports of New York and New Jersey, serving the most concentrated and affluent consumer market in the world and handling a significant part of the 16 million tons of cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are regularly employed in offshore towing along the entire East Coast.
McAllister is proud of its long history in New York Harbor and continues to provide its clients and customers with the highest quality service.
McAllister Towing of New York is seeking a highly experienced Port Engineer. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:
Port Engineer
Reports to:
The Port Engineer is directly responsible and accountable to the Vice President/General Manager.
Supervises:
Vessel Engineers and various shore-side personnel.
Description of Duties:
The Port Engineer is a skilled Engineer who is responsible for estimating, planning, and performing short and long-term maintenance, repairs, and modifications on vessels for a specific region.
Ensures all vessel engineers are properly trained, qualified and comply with a regulatory training and/or certification requirements.
Assists in the development and adherence of the maintenance and repair budget.
Supervises the timely and cost-effective maintenance, repair, modifications, and refurbishment projects of existing fleet.
Develops dry-docking specifications, vendor bid packages and evaluation of shipyard bid packages.
Monitors the contractor and/or shipyard during maintenance and repair projects.
Conducts on-site surveys of vessels and equipment to determine maintenance and repair needs.
Makes repair recommendations.
Regularly communicates with and supervises vessel engineers regarding ongoing maintenance and repair schedules.
Maintains machinery history documentation.
This position may involve travel.
Other duties as may be assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
Two years as an engineer on boats and mechanical experience working on Detroit Diesel 71 Series, EMD, Fairbanks Morse, and Caterpillar engines. Electrical system experience also required.
High School Degree or equivalent is required.
A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field preferred. Maritime Academy graduate is preferred.
A valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and Transportation Worker Identification Card.
USCG license preferred.
Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
Physical Requirements:
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of vessel operations require the Port Engineer to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew. Specific physical requirements include:
Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
Adequate hearing.
Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
Sufficient strength to:
Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.
Salary: $100,000.00 (annually)
FLSA Status:
Exempt
*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor's instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.
It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.