1

Sea Tow Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bering Marine is seeking a Captain - Mate of Tow. As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel ... and sea. The work BMC does supports remote communities and critical projects across the state ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sea Tow Captain information

See salary details

$11

$22

$40

How much do sea tow captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for sea tow captain in the United States is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sea Tow Captain job?

A Sea Tow Captain is responsible for assisting boaters in distress, providing towing services, fuel deliveries, jump-starts, and salvage operations. They operate tow vessels to ensure the safety of recreational and commercial boaters. Captains must have a U.S. Coast Guard license and extensive maritime experience. Their work often involves responding to emergency calls in various weather conditions.

What is the highest paid tugboat captain?

The highest paid tugboat captains typically earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, with some experienced captains in large ports or specialized vessels earning over $200,000. Salaries depend on factors such as location, experience, vessel size, and certifications like STCW or USCG licenses.

How much does a towboatus captain make?

A Sea Tow captain typically earns between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of calls handled. Many captains work part-time or on a commission basis, and certifications such as a USCG captain's license are often required to operate vessels legally and safely.

What are some of the most common challenges Sea Tow Captains face while on duty?

Sea Tow Captains often encounter unpredictable weather, challenging sea conditions, and mechanical issues while assisting disabled vessels, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. Working long shifts, sometimes at night or on weekends, is common to provide timely response to boaters in distress. Captains frequently need to make decisions independently but also coordinate with shore-based dispatchers, team members, and occasionally local authorities. Excelling in this role involves balancing technical competence with excellent communication and customer care, especially when dealing with clients who may be stressed or unfamiliar with maritime emergencies.

How much do towboat pilots make?

Sea Tow captains, often serving as towboat pilots, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Many also receive additional compensation for overtime, on-call hours, and specialized certifications such as towing or navigation licenses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sea Tow Captain position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sea Tow Captain, you need strong seamanship skills, in-depth knowledge of maritime laws, and a valid U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license (such as OUPV or Master credentials). Proficiency with navigation and communication equipment like GPS, VHF radios, and towing gear is vital. Outstanding customer service skills, problem-solving ability, and calmness under pressure set exceptional captains apart. These attributes ensure safe, efficient assistance during marine emergencies and foster positive client interactions.

How much does a sea tow captain make?

A Sea Tow captain typically earns between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of calls handled. Many captains are paid hourly or through commissions, and certifications such as a USCG captain's license are often required to operate vessels professionally.
More about Sea Tow Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Sea Tow Captain jobs? Cities with the most Sea Tow Captain job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sea Tow Captain jobs? The most popular types of Sea Tow Captain jobs are:
What states have the most Sea Tow Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Sea Tow Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sea Tow Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sea Tow Captain jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sea Tow Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,000 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Sea Tow Towing Captain (Kennebunk, ME)

Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast

Kennebunk, ME • On-site

$23.50 - $24.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

Title: Sea Tow Assistance Towing Captain
Job Status: Part-time/Full-time Seasonal
Supervisor: General Manager
Pay Type: $23.50 - $24.50 per hour depending on experience

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule/Start date: Flexible/Starting May through October


Sea Tow Portland/MidCoast is looking for U.S. Coast Guard licensed Assistance Towing Captains to join our team to provide marine assistance based out of South Portland, Naples, Kennebunk, Bath and Boothbay, Maine. Helping boaters is at the core of who we are and what we do. If you are customer service-oriented, love spending time on the water, and are detail and safety-oriented – a Sea Tow Captain position is ideal. We offer flexible scheduling. This part-time or full-time seasonal position may require weekend hours as needed. We promote continuing education/training at Sea Tow and provide mentors and a fun, friendly work environment.


Summary:

A Sea Tow Assistance Towing Captain is primarily responsible for operating a Sea Tow vessel, navigating waterways to respond to calls for assistance from boaters in distress, providing towing services, and ensuring the safety of both the towed vessel and its own crew while adhering to maritime regulations. The captain also maintains excellent customer service with boat owners, particularly Sea Tow members.

Requirements:

Essential duties and responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

  • Responding to calls for assistance: Receiving dispatch calls from the Supervisor and promptly navigating to the location of the distressed boat.
  • Performing towing operations: Securely attach the towed vessel to the Sea Tow boat and safely maneuver it to a designated marina or safe harbor.
  • On-water assessments: Evaluating the situation of the disabled boat, identifying potential hazards, and determining the best course of action for towing.
  • Basic mechanical troubleshooting: Minor repairs or adjustments should be made to the distressed vessel to restore operation when possible.
  • Customer interaction: Communicating clearly with boat owners, explaining the towing process, and addressing concerns.
  • Maintaining vessel safety: Regularly inspecting the Sea Tow boat, ensuring all safety equipment is in working order, and adhering to maritime safety regulations.
  • Log keeping and reporting: Documenting towing details, including time, location, vessel information, and any relevant incidents.
  • Greet customers in a friendly, upbeat, courteous, and professional manner.
  • Maintain a calm, positive attitude and constantly meet high-quality, impeccable customer service standards.
  • Familiarize oneself with local waters to provide key local knowledge tips and essential chart guidance.

Skills & Requirements

The requirements below represent knowledge, skills, and /or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Background checks are required for all applicants 21 or over.

  • US Coast Guard Captain's License: Minimum requirement of Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV), and Assistance Towing Endorsement.
  • Pass a pre-employment drug test and submit to enrollment in a random drug testing program
  • Experience in boating operations: Extensive experience handling various types of boats in different weather conditions.
  • Navigation skills: Proficient knowledge of local waterways, including charts, aids to navigation, and marine weather interpretation.
  • Mechanical aptitude: Basic understanding of boat mechanics to troubleshoot minor issues.
  • Excellent customer service skills: Ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively with boat owners, and provide a positive experience. Promote membership growth by speaking with non-members about what Sea Tow offers.
  • Seeking a candidate with a positive outlook, a strong work ethic, and a great team player with a cooperative attitude in working with supervisors and fellow employees.
  • Must be a self-starter and capable of working unsupervised.
  • Organized with a high attention to detail and adhere to all safety policies.
  • Physical ability to lift/carry up to 30 lbs. and be able to board/un-board boats.
  • This position requires the employee to spend significant time outside in all weather conditions, and weekend shifts are required as needed.
  • Prior towing captain experience is a plus, but we will train
  • Must be available to work four shifts a month

Education and/or Experience - The candidate must hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard Captain License (OUPV) with an Assistance Towing endorsement.


Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk, stoop, kneel, and talk or listen. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities this job requires include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.


Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, harsh weather, and rough seas.


About Sea Tow

Since 1983, Sea Tow has been offering on-water assistance to boaters. With a Sea Tow membership, boaters pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available 24/7/365. Members receive priority services, including boat towing, dock-to-dock towing, nationwide coverage, fuel delivery, battery jump starts, exclusive member savings, and more. Our crew of licensed Coast Guard Captains have an average response time of under an hour. Always ready to help, they regularly patrol and assist boaters in Maine waters from York to Pemaquid Point, Inland Rivers, Sebago Lake, Brandy Pond, and Long Lake.


Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast Towing Captains are based out of the following locations: Spring Point Marina, 1 Spring Point Drive in South Portland; Moose Landing Marina in the Sebago Lakes Region, 32 Moose Landing Trail in Naples; Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St in Bath: Hodgdon Yacht Services Southport Boatyard, 100 Ebenecook Road in Southport; and DiMillo’s Marina, 4 Doans Wharf Rd. in Kennebunk.


Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast is an entity of Marina Holdings LLC located at 72 Lafayette St, Yarmouth, ME 04096


Marina Holdings, LLC is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.