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Port Towing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Licensed Engineers

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$633/day

... 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 ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Staten Island, NY

$633/day

... 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 ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY

$708/day

... 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 ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

... 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 ...

Parker Towing Company

Wheelhouse - Mobile Fleet

Mobile, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Port Captain Location: Mobile, Alabama Schedule: 14/7 Parker Towing Company, a family-owned company, is one of the largest barge lines in the United States, operating a fleet of towboats and over 400 ...

Parker Towing Company

Wheelhouse - Mobile Fleet

Mobile, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Port Captain Location: Mobile, Alabama Schedule: 14/7 Parker Towing Company, a family-owned company, is one of the largest barge lines in the United States, operating a fleet of towboats and over 400 ...

McAllister Towing

Staff Accountant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

... 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 Towing is ...

McAllister Towing

Staff Accountant

Manhattan, NY

$80K - $95K/yr

... 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 Towing is ...

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Port Towing information

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$13

$22

$40

How much do port towing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port towing operator?

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 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.

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What states have the most Port Towing jobs?

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Port Towing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Towing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% 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.

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA • On-site

McAllister Towing
Water Transportation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about McAllister Towingexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 hours 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 Licensed Engineers to join our team. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below.
Licensed Engineer:
We are looking for a Licensed Engineer for McAllister of Virginia.
The Licensed Engineer is an experienced skilled crewmember on board the vessel's Engineering Department. The Licensed Engineer is directly responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of all mechanical equipment on the boat. The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer. The Licensed Engineer must keep Captain apprised of issue(s) or his or her relief.
Responsible for the good condition and efficiency working of the entire machinery plant of the vessel including main engines, propulsion, and auxiliary machinery, all electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic machinery, steering machinery, and all associated components, deck machinery and any and all other valves, pipes, watertight integrity of the vessel.
The Licensed Engineer must maintain compliance with the quality, safety, and environmental management system as detailed in the McAllister Operations Manual.
Supervises the procurement, loading, use and transfer and discharge of all potable water, ballast water, fuel oil, lube oil, ascertaining that said products are of proper quality and quantity when received on board and making the proper entries in the log and on the Fuel Transfer Certificate.
Repairs all machinery and equipment onboard the vessel within his capacity and completes the daily engine log each day.
Required Skills:
• Valid Merchant Mariner's Credential.
• Valid TWIC Card
• Valid Engineering License
• Must pass pre-employment drug test.
• Must pass pre-employment physical.
- A High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
Physical Requirements:
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Engineer to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew. You must have the physical ability to operate heavy machinery. Repair work may involve assignments to work beneath machines and close quarters. Frequent stooping and bending required. 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

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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