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Tow Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fleet Boat Captain

Granite City, IL ยท On-site

$600/day

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Tow Boat Pilot

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

The Tow Boat Pilot is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the loading and unloading cargo ... The Captain/pilot must also strive to see that company policy, rules, and regulations are followed.

Fleet Boat Captain

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$600/day

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

Fleet Boat Captain

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$600/day

Ingram Marine Group is seeking a Fleet Boat Captain for St. Louis, MO Fleets. In this position you ... Moving tow/build tow * Ensuring safe navigation and operation of vessel * Efficiently managing the ...

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Tow Boat Captain information

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$13

$22

$40

How much do tow boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for tow boat captain 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 does a tow boat captain do?

A Tow Boat Captain operates and navigates boats that assist disabled or stranded vessels, transport barges, or support marine construction and salvage operations. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the crew, vessel, and cargo while following maritime laws and regulations. Duties often include coordinating with dispatch, performing routine maintenance, and responding to emergency situations. Strong knowledge of waterways, weather conditions, and towing techniques is essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tow boat captain?

To thrive as a Tow Boat Captain, you need strong maritime navigation, vessel operation, and situational awareness skills, often backed by a U.S. Coast Guard license such as the Master of Towing Vessels endorsement. Familiarity with onboard communication systems, navigation equipment (like GPS and radar), and safety protocols is essential. Excellent leadership, decision-making abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this position. These capabilities are crucial to ensure the safe and efficient movement of towed vessels, crew safety, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What are the typical challenges tow boat captains face during their work shifts?

Tow Boat Captains often encounter challenges such as navigating difficult weather conditions, handling heavy or awkward loads, and maintaining communication with crews and port authorities. The job can require quick problem-solving when mechanical issues or unexpected hazards arise on the water. Additionally, captains need to ensure that all safety and regulatory procedures are strictly followed, which can be demanding during high-pressure situations. Working hours may be irregular, with shifts often extending overnight or on weekends, so adaptability and resilience are essential for success.

How much do tow boat captains make?

Tow boat captains typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. They often need a Coast Guard license and must have extensive maritime experience to qualify for higher-paying positions.

How long does it take to become a tow boat captain?

Becoming a tow boat captain typically requires several years of experience, including obtaining a Coast Guard license such as a Master of Towing Vessel endorsement, which involves completing training, passing exams, and accumulating sea time. The process can take 3 to 5 years or more, depending on prior experience and training programs.
More about Tow Boat Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Tow Boat Captain jobs? Cities with the most Tow Boat Captain job openings:
What states have the most Tow Boat Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Tow Boat Captain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tow Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,733 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Sea Tow Towing Captain (Southern Maine)

Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast

Yarmouth, ME โ€ข On-site

$21.50 - $24.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description:

Title: Sea Tow Assistance Towing Captain
Job Status: Part-time/Full-time Seasonal (April through October)
Supervisor: General Manager
Pay Type: $21.50 - $24.50 per hour depending on experience

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule/Start date: Flexible/Starting April 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 in 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.