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Tow Boat Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

A Kirby Corporation vessel generally has a tow that is 500 ft. in length. A Tank Barge PIC may be ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Beaumont, TX · On-site

$24 - $27.75/hr

A Kirby Corporation vessel generally has a tow that is 500 ft. in length. A Tank Barge PIC may be ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

A Kirby Corporation vessel generally has a tow that is 500 ft. in length. A Tank Barge PIC may be ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Kirby Corporation

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX

$21.50 - $25/hr

A Kirby Corporation vessel generally has a tow that is 500 ft. in length. A Tank Barge PIC may be ... Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes. Qualifications Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is ...

Blessey Marine

Deckhand

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The primary function ofthe Deckhand is to build and break tow. Other key job responsibilities ... Must be able to work on the boat with a work schedule based on a ratio of 2 to 1 (i.e. 20 days on ...

Blessey Marine Services

Deckhand

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The primary function of the Deckhand is to build and break tow. Other key job responsibilities ... Must be able to work on the boat with a work schedule based on a ratio of 2 to 1 (i.e. 20 days on ...

Blessey Marine Services

Deckhand

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The primary function of the Deckhand is to build and break tow. Other key job responsibilities ... Must be able to work on the boat with a work schedule based on a ratio of 2 to 1 (i.e. 20 days on ...

STEVENS TOWING CO INC

Deckhand (189)

Yonges Island, SC · On-site

... the boat, scrub and wash floors, wash windows, polish brass equipment, wash and paint exterior ... Responsible for cooking meals and keeping the galley clean. Must become familiar and acquire an ...

San Pedro, CA

Deckhand, LMS-LA

San Pedro, CA · On-site

General cooking and galley duties as may be required Qualifications * Able Seaman Special License ... boat/barge tie up. Expected Hours of Work * Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours

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Tow Boat Cook information

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$11

$22

$40

How much do tow boat cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for tow boat cook 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 tow boat cook?

Tow Boat Cooks are responsible for preparing and serving meals for the crew aboard towboats, which transport goods and materials on rivers and other waterways. Their duties include planning menus, ordering supplies, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and adhering to safety and health regulations. Tow Boat Cooks often work long shifts and must be able to cook for large groups in a compact galley kitchen. They play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and morale of the crew during extended trips on the water.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a tow boat cook?

To thrive as a Tow Boat Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a food handler's certification. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and basic first aid is also valuable. Adaptability, organization, and the ability to work independently under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure nutritious, safe meals for crew members and efficient kitchen operations in the challenging environment of a tow boat.

What are some unique challenges faced by a tow boat cook, and how can I prepare for them?

As a Tow Boat Cook, one of the main challenges is preparing nutritious and satisfying meals in a confined galley while the vessel is in motion. You may also be responsible for managing inventory and planning menus for extended trips, often with limited access to fresh supplies. Adapting to variable schedules and working closely with a small crew requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Being proactive in meal planning, flexible with ingredients, and maintaining a positive attitude are key strategies for success in this role.

What is the difference between Tow Boat Cook vs Deckhand?

AspectTow Boat CookDeckhand
CertificationsBasic safety and food handlingSTCW, safety training, first aid
Work EnvironmentKitchen and vessel interiorDeck, exterior, and vessel exterior
Job RolePreparing meals, maintaining galleyMaintenance, docking, navigation assistance

While both Tow Boat Cooks and Deckhands work on vessels, the Tow Boat Cook primarily handles food preparation and galley duties, whereas the Deckhand focuses on vessel maintenance, navigation support, and deck operations. Certifications overlap in safety training, but Deckhands often require additional maritime safety credentials. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry, but they differ significantly in daily responsibilities and skill sets.

How much do you make working on a tow boat?

Tow boat cooks typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Compensation may also include overtime pay and benefits, with some positions offering additional allowances for living onboard or travel.

What are popular job titles related to Tow Boat Cook jobs?

For Tow Boat Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tow Boat Cook job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,000 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Tank Barge PIC

Channelview, TX • On-site

Kirby Corporation
See more jobs at Kirby Corporationexternal

$21.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview
The primary function of a Tank Barge PIC is to prepare the barges that are assigned and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargoes. The Tank Barge PIC must communicate with dock personnel and ensure that each person participating in the transfer of product understands what the product is, and how it should be transferred and protected. The Tank Barge PIC normally works a rotating 6 days on, and 3 days off schedule.
Responsibilities
Walk 2-3 miles per day.
  • A Kirby Corporation vessel generally has a tow that is 500 ft. in length. A Tank Barge PIC may be required to walk the tow and back in order to check the condition of the barges and the rigging to perform tankering operations.

Step - 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal.
  • In the process of loading or discharging two barges breasted up through a crossover hose, occasions arise where slack in one or more lines causes the barges. In addition, if one barge is loading or discharging at a faster rate than the other, a vertical height differential may develop between the decks of the adjoining barges. Also, different docks, owned by individuals other than Kirby Corporation have various combinations of the barge drafts and river stages. This makes it necessary to step across, up, down, or over an obstacle in order to gain access to the dock from the barge to the boat or from the boat to the dock.

Reach:
  • Must be able to extend arms fully, throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane. A Tank Barge PIC may be required to throw and catch lines. Complete range of motion is also required to perform engine room maintenance responsibilities, which includes reaching over one's head.

Climb:
  • Must be able to climb a 90-degree vertical ladder 25-30 ft. Different docks have various means in which to gain access to the barges that are docked at their facilities. This is especially true when the river is at a low stage.

Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft.
  • A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to break, a Tank Barge PIC may be required to carry a ratchet the length of the barges in order to repair the coupling. In addition, a Tank Barge PIC may need to help move a crossover hose that would require a lift of at least 60-75 pounds.

Vision:
  • Color vision and eyesight sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners document. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/20 in each eye correctable to 20/40 in each eye.

Hearing:
  • Hearing as required to obtain a merchant mariners document.

Speech:
  • Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood. May docks use handheld radios to communicate with the barges and/or boats; therefore, use of these devices is required.

Reading/Writing:
  • Must be able to communicate by reading and writing in the English language.

Smell:
  • A sense of smell sufficient to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous chemical vapors.

Pulmonary Function:
  • Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 80% with physician's approval.

Physical Condition and Ability to Wear:
  • Gloves, goggles, rubber boots, slicker suit, steel-toes boots, hard hat, five-minute escape pack, negative pressure respirator or positive pressure respirator.

General:
  • Must be able to drive to and from hub cities. Must be able to endure harsh environment, which includes extreme temperature, rain, ice, sleet, wind wave action and long hours during transfers. Ability to use firefighting/spill containment equipment communicates with dock personnel, maintain documentation, and assist in training new personnel. Maintenance functions - ability to assist with engine and generator room maintenance. Ability to qualify for all federal and state standards and qualify for licenses and documents. Ability to perform all duties while wearing protective equipment.

Mental/Emotional:
  • Living and working in close quarters. Length of time away from family. Ability to communicate in English - teach, use radio, and coordinate with dock personnel. Ability to understand written and verbal orders. Comprehension of essential information - spill containment and cleanup, MSDS and emergency action information. Video training widely used - i.e. safety meeting, Benzene training.

Possible Non-Essential Functions:
  • Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes.

Qualifications
Tank Barge PIC: A Tank Barge PIC License is REQUIRED.
Tank Barge PICTRAINEE: No License Required.
License Requirements:
  • Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license.

Education Requirements:
  • Must pass a company-approved test. In addition, must have successfully completed Kirby Corporation's training school for Tank Barge PIC.

Benzene Regulations:
Must be able to pass certification requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C - Benzene.
Drug Regulations:
Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel as found in 46 CFR Part 16.
Physical Examination:
In the event Kirby Corporation extends a conditional offer of employment, the employee will be subject to a physical examination by a physician appointed by Kirby Corporation.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
Necessary to safely undertake the essential functions of this position.

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