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Tug Boat Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

Ingleside, TX · On-site

Maintain a high level of safety for passengers and crews, including monitoring crew members on the ... Six(6) months of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels. * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA)

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

North Charleston, SC · On-site

Maintain a high level of safety for passengers and crews, including monitoring crew members on the ... Six(6) months of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels. * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA)

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

Channelview, TX · On-site

Maintain a high level of safety for passengers and crews, including monitoring crew members on the ... Six(6) months of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels. * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA)

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from ... Some of our crew work a set schedule of 30 days on, 30 days off, others work Monday-Friday, MUST be ...

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 ... Some of our crew work a set schedule of 30 days on, 30 days off, others work Monday-Friday, MUST be ...

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

AB-Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Alaska's premier tug and barge company, is calling for exceptional Able ... boat. * Ensure the deck is free of all lines and gear. * Feed Crew and keep supplies stocked.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Mate- Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$36.75 - $40.25/hr

Mate of Tow Seasonal Opportunity | Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Season Dates: 2026 Summer Seasonal ... Crew-First Safety Culture Health and safety are not slogans here--they're expectations, reinforced ...

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Mate- Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$36.75 - $40.25/hr

Mate of Tow Seasonal Opportunity | Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Season Dates: 2026 Summer Seasonal ... Crew-First Safety Culture Health and safety are not slogans here-they're expectations, reinforced ...

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 ... Some of our crew work a set schedule of 30 days on, 30 days off, others work Monday-Friday, MUST be ...

ADM

Fleet Captain - Ottawa, IL

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$480 - $510/hr

ADM is seeking a licensed mariner to Captain and supervise a tug boat at our American River ... crew-members report all injuries, illnesses, and near misses in a timely manner, and review all ...

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

AB-Summer Seasonal

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Alaska's premier tug and barge company, is calling for exceptional Able ... boat. * Ensure the deck is free of all lines and gear. * Feed Crew and keep supplies stocked.

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA

$16.90/hr

Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from ... Some of our crew work a set schedule of 30 days on, 30 days off, others work Monday-Friday, MUST be ...

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Tug Boat Crew information

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$10

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$32

How much do tug boat crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug boat crew in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Tug Boat Crew member, you need a solid understanding of maritime operations, vessel handling, and safety procedures, often supported by a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and relevant endorsements. Familiarity with navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient vessel operations and responding effectively to dynamic situations on the water.

How much does a tug boat crew make?

Tug boat crew members typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific duties. Experienced crew members with certifications such as STCW may earn higher wages, and the job often involves shift work and working in maritime environments.

What is the difference between Tug Boat Crew vs Marine Pilot?

AspectTug Boat CrewMarine Pilot
CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime licensesMarine pilot license, extensive maritime experience
Work EnvironmentOn tug boats, near ports or offshoreOn ships, navigating through ports and waterways
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authoritiesShipping lines, port authorities
Job FocusAssisting ships with maneuvering and towingGuiding ships safely into port or through difficult waters

While both roles operate within maritime environments, Tug Boat Crew members focus on towing and maneuvering ships using tug boats, requiring specific certifications and working closely with ships in port or offshore. Marine Pilots, on the other hand, are highly experienced mariners who navigate ships through challenging waterways, often on larger vessels, and hold specialized licenses. Both roles are essential in maritime operations but differ in scope, responsibilities, and work settings.

What are the typical work schedules and living arrangements for a tug boat crew member?

Tug boat crew members often work in rotating shifts, such as two weeks on followed by one or two weeks off, depending on the employer and assignment. During their working period, crew members typically live onboard the vessel, sharing communal spaces like sleeping quarters, kitchens, and lounges. This arrangement fosters a close-knit team environment, but it can also be challenging due to long hours and limited personal space. Crew members should be prepared for extended periods away from home and possess strong teamwork and communication skills to thrive in this environment.

How to get hired on a tug boat crew?

To get hired as a tug boat crew member, candidates typically need relevant maritime experience, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and certifications such as Basic Safety Training or STCW. Applying through maritime job boards, networking with industry professionals, and demonstrating strong teamwork and safety skills are also important steps in the hiring process.

What is a tug boat crew?

Tug boat crew are maritime professionals responsible for operating tugboats, which are vessels designed to maneuver other ships by towing or pushing them in harbors, over open water, or through narrow channels. The crew typically includes a captain, engineers, deckhands, and sometimes a mate or pilot. Their duties involve ensuring the safety of ships during docking, undocking, and transit, as well as maintaining the tugboat and its equipment. Tug boat crew members must be skilled in navigation, communication, and emergency procedures. They play a critical role in the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic, especially in busy ports.
More about Tug Boat Crew jobs
What cities are hiring for Tug Boat Crew jobs? Cities with the most Tug Boat Crew job openings:
What states have the most Tug Boat Crew jobs? States with the most job openings for Tug Boat Crew jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tug Boat Crew jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tug Boat Crew jobs are:
Tug Boat Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Boat Crew job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Boat Captain

Russell Marine LLC

Ingleside, TX • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions
Please complete your application to the best of your ability, or attach a copy of your resume
Position Description
SUMMARY
As a Boat Captain, this position is responsible for supporting field operations at marine or railroad project locations for Russell Marine, LLC. The Boat Captain will operate a variety of marine vessels in support of the construction or repair of marine terminals, dock facilities, and/or railroad bridges.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date logs, records, and reports regarding vessel activities.
  • Operate and navigate a vessel according to United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations and safety standards.
  • Maintain a high level of safety for passengers and crews, including monitoring crew members on the vessel at all times.
  • Perform and coordinate maintenance of the Company-assigned vessels, including daily maintenance, minor repairs, vessel upkeep, and overall appearance.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education: Must possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or be willing/eligible to obtain one upon hire. Valid Driver's License. Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
  • Experience: Six(6) months of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels.
  • Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA): Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors. Able to make swift decisions under pressure or in high-stress/emergencies. General knowledge of marine towing. Works independently, without supervision, and can work with a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Certification(s): Master of Towing license.
  • Experience: Five (5) years of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels.
  • Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA): Thorough knowledge of marine towing.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • The individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.
  • The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes a hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, personal floatation devices (PFD), and/or other protective equipment.
  • The individual frequently works near moving mechanical parts and must be able to adapt to temperature changes, outdoor conditions, and prolonged exposure to dusty, wet, or humid conditions, loud noises, and vibration.
  • The individual may be required to work long hours and/or weekends. Additionally, some out-of-town or overnight travel may be required.
  • The individual may be required to walk, step, climb, or otherwise move from one location on the job site to another, which may be of varying heights and access parameters.
  • The individual is going to be required on occasion to climb ladders, stoop, board boats, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
  • The individual may be required to lift objects with a minimum of 10 lbs. and a maximum single-person lift of 50 lbs. This could result in frequent lifting or carrying depending on project needs.
  • The individual must be physically fit and capable of spending extended time at sea in all weather conditions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Company expects and requires all employees to observe and fulfill all safety responsibilities as outlined in workplace safety training and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Employees are authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafe condition or situation is anticipated or is observed as well as bring problems to the attention of the immediate supervisor, HSE Manager, or HR Manager.
  • Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees. Employment at Russell Marine, LLC is on an "at-will" basis. There is no contract of employment between Russell Marine, LLC and any one or all of its employees unless explicitly stated elsewhere. Employment security cannot be guaranteed for or by any employee. No Manager, Supervisor, or employee of the Company has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will. Only the Owner or President has the authority to modify the at-will relationship, and then only in writing specifically addressed to the employee on this issue and signed by that Russell Marine, LLC Executive.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Russell Marine, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status. If you require special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment with Russell Marine, LLC, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@russellmarinellc.com.

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