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Tug Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... twisting during boat/barge tie up. Expected Hours of Work * Ability to adapt to a variety of ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$780 - $875/hr

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... boat/barge tie up. * Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules (two weeks on and two weeks off ...

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building ...

T. Parker Host

Deckhand

Braithwaite, LA

... boat * Work with Captain to ensure safe and reliable daily movements of the United Bulk Terminals fleet * Make-up and break down tug to/from barges * Inspect and, if necessary, pump barge voids

T. Parker Host

Deckhand

Braithwaite, LA · On-site

... boat * Work with Captain to ensure safe and reliable daily movements of the United Bulk Terminals fleet * Make-up and break down tug to/from barges * Inspect and, if necessary, pump barge voids

T. Parker Host

Deckhand

Braithwaite, LA · On-site

... boat * Work with Captain to ensure safe and reliable daily movements of the United Bulk Terminals fleet * Make-up and break down tug to/from barges * Inspect and, if necessary, pump barge voids

T. Parker Host

Deckhand

Braithwaite, LA · On-site

... boat * Work with Captain to ensure safe and reliable daily movements of the United Bulk Terminals fleet * Make-up and break down tug to/from barges * Inspect and, if necessary, pump barge voids

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump bilges. * Cleaning restrooms on tug. Prepare grocery ...

ADM

Fleet Deckhand - Wickliffe, KY

Wickliffe, KY

$263/hr

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at our American River Transportation Company (ARTCo) fleeting location in Wickliffe, KY.Job ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (LA/LB)

Wilmington, CA · On-site

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump bilges. * Cleaning restrooms on tug. Prepare grocery ...

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Tug Boat Captain information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do tug boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug boat captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug boat captain?

A Tug Boat Captain is responsible for operating and navigating tugboats to assist larger vessels in harbors, rivers, or open waters. They ensure safe towing, docking, and maneuvering of ships, barges, or other floating structures. Captains must have advanced maritime knowledge, strong leadership skills, and often hold specialized licenses. Their duties include monitoring weather conditions, communicating with crew and port authorities, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

What does a tug boat captain do?

A typical day for a Tug Boat Captain involves overseeing all tugboat operations, including safely maneuvering large vessels in and out of docks, communicating with harbor pilots and port officials, and maintaining crew readiness. Captains are responsible for routine checks of navigation systems, monitoring weather and tidal conditions, and ensuring all safety protocols are followed. Work schedules often involve rotating shifts, with periods of high activity during ship arrivals and departures. Collaboration with deckhands, engineers, and other maritime professionals is constant, making teamwork and clear communication essential to daily success.

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

To thrive as a Tug Boat Captain, you need strong navigation skills, maritime knowledge, and typically a U.S. Coast Guard Master of Towing Vessels license. Proficiency with modern navigation systems, radio communications, and vessel maintenance tools is essential. Leadership, situational awareness, and effective decision-making are important soft skills for managing crew and coordinating closely in dynamic environments. These skills are vital for ensuring safe, efficient operations while maneuvering large vessels in busy ports and waterways.

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Tug Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Master of Towing

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, crew, and tow during offshore stern tow operations and ship assist work in the Calcasieu ship channel.

  • Ensure compliance with company policies, rules, regulations, and reporting violations to the office.

  • Conduct safety drills, meetings, and provide instructions to crew members while managing crew performance and vessel operations.

Job description

Role Objectives: Serve as Master or Relief Master for offshore stern tow operation bases out of Lake Charles, LA. When not serving in the offshore stern towing capacity the position will be conducting ship assist work in the Calcasieu ship channel.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and performance of the crew, vessel, and tow
  • The Captain/pilot must also strive to see that company policy, rules, and regulations are followed
  • Must report to the office all violations of policy or violations of federal, state, or local laws
  • Conducting monthly drills and safety meetings in accordance with policies and procedures
  • Ensure that work completed in accordance with Company safety policies and practices.
  • Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance
  • Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel’s budget
  • Complete required log entries, Maintain radio watch as required
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand
  • Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures
  • Provide instructions and information to crew members, land-based personnel, and USCG or lock personnel

Skill Requirements:
  • Retain a USCG Master of Towing Vessels license endorsed for service
  • Able to work 7 and 7 or other scheduled as required by Company
  • Meet USCG physical examination requirements
  • Maintain an active TWIC
Knowledge Requirements:
  • Tug Operations with strong stern tow knowledge. 
  • ASD Tractor knowledge 
  • Equipment maintenance 
Education:
  • High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
Additional Qualifications:
  • Two to five years of experience as a boat captain required.
  • Two years’ experience with ASD Tractor Tug with stern tow open ocean 
Physical Requirements:
  • Worker will exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds of force frequently and up to 10 pounds of force constantly.
  • Requires hearing, talking, grasping, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and crawling.
  • Worker is required to have the ability to see details at a distance and depth perception to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away, or to judge the distance between him/her and an object.  Additionally, the worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.
  • The worker is subject to environmental conditions with no protection from weather.  
  • The worker is subject to noise, vibration, hazards, and is frequently in close quarters and small enclosed rooms and is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.