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Port Towing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

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 ...

McAllister Towing

Mechanic

San Juan, PR · On-site

Since 1967, McAllister Towing has been a thriving presence in the bustling "hub of the Caribbean," the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico. San Juan boasts a beautiful, natural harbor and its seaport is ...

MILLERS TUG AND BARGE INC.

Be Seen First

Port Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

The Port Engineer will play a key role in planning and executing maintenance projects, supervising ... Towing and Salvage are marine support companies with local offices on the East Coast and the Gulf ...

T. Parker Host

Port Engineer Status: Full-Time, Exempt Company: Host Terminals, LLC Reports To: Marine Manager ... Minimum 200-ton with towing endorsement * Previous towing experience on push boats on the ...

T. Parker Host

Port Engineer

Braithwaite, LA

Port Engineer Status: Full-Time, Exempt Company: Host Terminals, LLC Reports To: Marine Manager ... Minimum 200-ton with towing endorsement * Previous towing experience on push boats on the ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

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 ...

McAllister Towing

Captains

Baltimore, MD

McAllister Towing has been a steadfast contributor to the port's success since 1980, providing the Upper Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas with outstanding docking, undocking, towing, dredge ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA

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 ...

McAllister Towing

Captains

Baltimore, MD · On-site

McAllister Towing has been a steadfast contributor to the port's success since 1980, providing the Upper Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas with outstanding docking, undocking, towing, dredge ...

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All JobsPort Towing Jobs

Port Towing information

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$13

$22

$40

How much do port towing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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 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.

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.
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Port Towing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Towing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,733 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Mate

Mate

McAllister Towing

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description


The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. 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 general harbor assist work.
Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.
McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking highly qualified Mate to join our team. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:
Mate:
Description/Job Summary:
The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug. The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew.
Preferred Experience:
  • Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman.

Required Qualifications:
  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate license
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Tractor tug/Z drive experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
  • STCW

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.

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