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Towboat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Southern Devall Towing Co

4C Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Captain normally stands the forward watch (6:00 AM to Noon and 6:00 PM to Midnight). The Pilot ... a towboat. They are required to communicate in English with other vessels, Coast Guard stations ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4C Pilot

Sulphur, LA · On-site

The Captain normally stands the forward watch (6:00 AM to Noon and 6:00 PM to Midnight). The Pilot ... a towboat. They are required to communicate in English with other vessels, Coast Guard stations ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

1C Pilot

Sulphur, LA · On-site

The Captain normally stands the forward watch (6:00 AM to Noon and 6:00 PM to Midnight). The Pilot ... a towboat. They are required to communicate in English with other vessels, Coast Guard stations ...

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Towboat Captain information

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$37

$76

How much do towboat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 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 is a towboat captain?

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 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.

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.

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For Towboat Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Towboat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Towboat Captain job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Mate / Experienced Deckhand

Northport, AL • On-site

Parker Towing Company
See more jobs at Parker Towing Companyexternal

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Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Parker Towing Company Hiring For Mates/Experienced Deckhands

Parker Towing Company is currently hiring for Mates/Experienced Deckhands. Candidates for this position must have sufficient recent experience as a Mate/Experienced Deckhand. Candidates who do not meet this qualification will not be considered for the position. References will be requested. Schedule is 21/10 or possibly 28/14.

Don't miss this great career opportunity. Parker Towing offers a steersman program, tankerman program, and senior chief engineering program. At Parker Towing we strive to offer the best benefits for you and your family: medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance, bi annual bonuses, 401k.

Primary Responsibilities of a Mate/Experienced Deckhand:
  • Manage day to day activities of the deck crew as well as train new deckhands
  • Build and break tow
  • Line handling
  • Assist with going through locks
  • Tying off vessels at fleets and docks
  • Perform minor towboat and barge maintenance
  • Maintain barge in tow
  • Assist Captain with administrative requirements as needed
  • Keep boat and barges safe and clean
  • Household chores: cleaning, sweeping, mopping, dish washing, etc., keeping exterior of boat clean
  • Cooking and food preparation
Requirements:
  • MUST have recent experience as Mate/Experienced Deckhand
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must have a valid/current drivers license, NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Must be able to pass United States Coast Guard physical requirements including but not limited to lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying heavy equipment, maintain balance and navigate uneven surfaces, climbing up and down ladders and stairways.
  • Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions (extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, snow, etc.)
  • Must be able to work required schedule
  • Must be able to work various weekends and holidays
  • Must be able to pass United States Coast Guard drug screen
  • Must be able to understand and complete verbal and written orders
  • Must have or be able to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)

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