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Towboat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southern Devall Towing Co

Captain / Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

... a towboat. They are required to communicate in English with other vessels, Coast Guard stations ... The Captain/Relief Captain is responsible for making certain that vessel navigation equipment ...

Parker Towing Company

Engineer

Northport, AL · On-site

This position will be report directly to the Port Engineer and will be responsible to the towboat ... compliance. * Assist the Captain in conducting fire emergency procedures and fire drills.

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Towboat Captain information

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$9

$37

$76

How much do towboat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for towboat captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are towboat captains?

Towboat captains are licensed professionals responsible for navigating and operating towboats, which are vessels used to push barges along rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. Their duties include steering the towboat, managing crew operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed, maintaining logs, and coordinating with port authorities. Towboat captains play a critical role in the transportation of goods such as coal, grain, and other bulk materials. They must possess strong navigational skills, leadership abilities, and a thorough understanding of maritime regulations. To become a towboat captain, individuals typically need extensive maritime experience and must hold a relevant U.S. Coast Guard license.

What are some common challenges Towboat Captains face while navigating busy waterways, and how can they be managed?

Towboat Captains often encounter challenges such as heavy traffic from other vessels, rapidly changing weather conditions, and navigating narrow or shallow channels. To manage these challenges, captains rely on strong situational awareness, maintain constant communication with crew and other vessels, and use advanced navigation equipment. Proactive planning, ongoing training, and staying updated on local waterway regulations also help ensure safe and efficient operations.

What is the difference between Towboat Captain vs Marine Pilot?

AspectTowboat CaptainMarine Pilot
CredentialsValid USCG license, STCW certificationUSCG license, often with additional pilot endorsements
Work EnvironmentOperate towboats on inland waterways, rivers, and lakesNavigate ships through ports, harbors, and restricted waterways
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, inland waterway operatorsPort authorities, shipping lines, maritime agencies

While both Towboat Captains and Marine Pilots hold USCG licenses and work in maritime environments, Towboat Captains operate vessels on inland waterways, whereas Marine Pilots assist ships in navigating port and harbor areas. Their roles are complementary but distinct, with Towboat Captains managing vessel operation and Marine Pilots providing expert navigation assistance in confined or congested waters.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Towboat Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Towboat Captain, you need extensive maritime knowledge, navigational skills, and typically a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Master of Towing Vessels license. Proficiency with radar, GPS navigation systems, and communication equipment is crucial for safe and efficient operations. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing crew and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and the smooth transport of cargo on inland and coastal waterways.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Towboat Captain jobs? The most popular types of Towboat Captain jobs are:
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Towboat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Towboat Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.
Towboat Captain - Safety, Operations & Crew Leader

Towboat Captain - Safety, Operations & Crew Leader

CAMPBELL TRANSPORTATION COMPANY INC

Point Pleasant, WV

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Captains and Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the environment. The primary responsibility is to navigate the vessel safely at all times, in all weather conditions, while navigating the inland waterways.

  • Ensure compliance with Company safety protocols during watch duty.
  • Safely operate and manage crew, vessel, and tow efficiency.
  • Complete, submit, and maintain required records, logs, and reports.
  • Execute duties as per the Vessel Security Plan as the designated security officer.
  • Familiarize crew with cargo and associated hazards among towed barges.
  • Verify serviceability of lifesaving equipment, fire detection, and firefighting systems.
  • Always maintain safe and clean accommodations and require crew to do the same.
  • Organize and conduct necessary training, drills, and exercises.
  • Adhere to established vessel management policies and procedures, including budget management.
  • Provide clear direction to subordinates and conduct periodic performance evaluations.
  • Conduct and report results of periodic vessel audits and inspections.
  • Maintain continual communication with crew, land-based personnel, USCG, or lock personnel for information sharing.
  • Prepare vessel and crew for emergency responses.
  • Operate and maintain the assigned vessel in alignment with quality, safety, security, and environmental policies and procedures.
  • Uphold a positive company image and maintain professional relationships with customers, pilots, terminal personnel, and the public.
  • Ensure adequate vessel manning and watch schedules.
  • Perform other assigned duties as required.
  • Valid USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential with Towing Endorsement
  • Valid TWIC
  • Must pass pre‑employment drug test and submit to random DOT testing requirements.
  • Must meet USCG physical examination requirements and pass pre‑employment physical.
  • Ability to collaborate, effectively manage and work well with others.
  • Strong time management skills, able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Possess strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly follow instructions, both written and verbal.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Prior experience in a similar position within the marine transportation industry
  • Prior experience in a safety sensitive position
Physical Requirements

The unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous nature of towboat operations requires the crew members to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and entire crew. Specific physical requirements include:

  • Traverse boats, barges, and tows a minimum of two (2) miles per day, including on wet or slick surfaces.
  • Transport equipment of 60 to 100 pounds up to 1000 feet.
  • Ascend/Descend a 90 degree ladder up to 40 feet.
  • Move, transport, and position equipment up to 100 pounds.
  • Position self to move through 18-inch diameter hatch.
  • Move two (2) feet horizontally and vertically.
  • Maintain constant communication with crew members.
  • Ability to recognize and identify distant objects and recognize distances between objects.
  • Constantly work in outdoor weather conditions.
  • Work shifts a min. of 12 hrs. (could be up to 15).
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