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Towboat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evansville Marine Service

Towboat Pilot

Louisville, KY · On-site

Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the vessel to which they are assigned, and those duties may include assisting other teams at EMS as needed.

Evansville Marine Service

Towboat Pilot

Louisville, KY · On-site

Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the vessel to which they are assigned, and those duties may include assisting other teams at EMS as needed.

HFL 412 Marine Inc

Trip Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA · Remote

Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the ... The unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous nature of towboat operations requires ...

HFL 412 Marine Inc

Trip Pilot

Point Pleasant, WV · On-site

Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the ... The unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous nature of towboat operations requires ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

4C Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

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

Carlisle and Bray Enterprises

Pilot

Newport, KY · On-site

Conducts inspections of the towboat and equipment to ensure its seaworthiness and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and take corrective action where necessary. Requirements ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

Captain / Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

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

Southern Devall Towing Co

4A Captain

Memphis, TN · On-site

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

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Towboat Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do towboat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for towboat pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a towboat pilot?

A Towboat Pilot is responsible for navigating and operating towboats that push barges along inland waterways, such as rivers and canals. They ensure the safe and efficient transportation of cargo while complying with maritime laws and safety regulations. Towboat Pilots work closely with deckhands and other crew members to maneuver vessels through locks, bridges, and challenging water conditions. This role requires a U.S. Coast Guard license, extensive training, and experience in maritime operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a towboat pilot?

To thrive as a Towboat Pilot, you need expert navigation skills, in-depth knowledge of waterways, maritime safety, and a U.S. Coast Guard-issued license for operating towboats. Familiarity with marine communication equipment, navigation radar, GPS systems, and onboard operational protocols is required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to work calmly under pressure are standout soft skills for this position. These abilities ensure safe and efficient transport of vessels and cargo through varying conditions while prioritizing safety and teamwork.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a towboat pilot?

Towboat Pilots often work in rotational shifts that can range from several days to several weeks on the vessel, followed by similar periods of time off. Work hours can be long, and pilots are usually on call during their shift period to respond to evolving navigation or operational needs. The job requires living aboard the towboat during the rotation, where pilots collaborate closely with deck crew and engineers to ensure safe passage. Teamwork and adaptability are key, as the schedule and tasks may change based on river conditions, weather, and cargo demands. This schedule offers defined time off, which many professionals value for work-life balance.

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Towboat Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Towboat Pilot 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 $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Towboat Pilot

Louisville, KY • On-site

Evansville Marine Service
Water Transportation • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Evansville Marine Serviceexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Make and break tow for customer vessels and other EMS boats.

  • Pick up and deliver barges to and from customer docks.

  • Conduct daily safety inspections of the vessel's firefighting and lifesaving equipment, and perform daily safety inspections of vessel areas.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel.
  • Responsible for aiding in the safety of all coworkers.
  • Report any and all hazardous or unsafe conditions and making corrections when able.
  • Make and break tow for customer vessels and other EMS boats.
  • Pick up and deliver barges to and from customer docks.
  • Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment.
  • Participate in all drills and safety meetings.
  • Learn and perform assigned duties in emergency situations.
  • Learn when to use PPE and know the right type(s) to use for any task.
  • Ordering stores and supplies on a regular basis.
  • Taking on fuel, water, oil, etc.
  • Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees.
  • Conduct daily safety inspections of equipment and vessel structure, including walking and visually inspecting the exterior of each deck, the engine room, the wheelhouse, and any other areas of the vessel that are critical to the safety of the vessel and the crew.
  • Assist new crewmembers on tow for training purposes, including donning PPE, which may include a personal flotation device (PFD), as well as eye protection, face protection, splash protection, foot protection, hearing protection, or hand protection, depending on the task.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Speak, read, and write English well enough to maintain vessel logs, read training materials, and follow written instructions.
  • Climb at least 3 sets of stairs or ladders in short succession (from wheelhouse to engine room).
  • Hear and respond to radio communications with significant background noise.
  • Lift, pull, push, and carry ship's stores, vessel's rigging and other equipment up to 70lbs over distances of up to 1000'.
  • Perform general vessel maintenance in tight quarters, including stooping, crouching, and crawling while using hand tools and power tools.
  • Routinely walk and maintain balance across uneven, slippery, or unstable surfaces without assistance
  • Step over high doorsills, bullrails, and other structural obstacles.
  • Walk up or down a ramp with an incline of up to 10° (17% grade), and length up to 100'

EMERGENCY DUTIES
In addition to the routine physical standards above, a Pilot may face emergency situations that require brief but intense physical activity during drills and training. As mariners, we are our own First Responders, and must be able to:
  • Participate in drills that may include carrying firefighting equipment up several flights of stairs, retrieving objects from the water, and carrying dewatering pumps in a short amount of time.
  • Assist an injured person from a barge to the boat.
  • Carry a 40lb extinguisher up one or more flights of stairs.
  • Crawl on all fours across steel decking to escape a smoke-filled area.
  • Extract an unconscious person from a vessel in distress.
  • Hear, and rapidly respond to, alarms, bells, and whistles.
  • In short succession, carry a 50lb de-watering pump, carry a 5g gas can, and carry accompanying hoses (20-30lbs each);
  • Set up and start the de-watering pump and effectively operate a firehose under high pressure.
  • Retrieve an unconscious adult from the water and onto the boat.
  • Throw a 5lb ring buoy at least 25' and retrieve it with an adult attached.
  • Unface and face-up the boat alone to retrieve unconscious or immobile victims from the water or from a barge.

This list is not exhaustive. Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the vessel to which they are assigned, and those duties may include assisting other teams at EMS as needed.
Requirements
  • Applicants must possess a valid Merchant Mariner's Credential with a Western Rivers endorsement, a valid Medical Certificate, a valid TWIC card, and at least a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit.
  • Applicants must meet the Physical Requirements and be able to perform the Emergency Duties itemized above.
  • Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work.
  • Applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment DOT 5-panel Urine Drug Test.

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