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Tug Boat Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN

Everett, WA · On-site

$35.90/hr

... crew in the operation and general upkeep of the tug; 3) Operating radar and radio equipment on a tug; 4) Performing tug make-up, line handling, towing, docking, undocking, anchoring, and mooring of a ...

CNIC Careers

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN

Everett, WA · On-site

$35.90/hr

... crew in the operation and general upkeep of the tug; 3) Operating radar and radio equipment on a tug; 4) Performing tug make-up, line handling, towing, docking, undocking, anchoring, and mooring of a ...

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Harbor Boat Pilot

Burlington, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for crew's safety meetings, guidelines and safety training, drills, materials and ... Knowledge of General navigation procedures, navigation rules, sound and light signals, tug lights ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

Direct crew in performance of drills. Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary ... Qualifications Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. Must have a valid Coast Guard ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (LA/LB)

Wilmington, CA

Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

Direct crew in performance of drills. Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary ... Qualifications Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. Must have a valid Coast Guard ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA

Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA

Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

Commander, Navy Installations Command

$35.90 - $41.99/hr

You will pilot and efficiently handle the tug during normal operations. * You will instruct the deck crew in the operation of deck or safety equipment on board including pumps, winches, life rafts ...

Amnav Maritime LLC

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA

Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare ... Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

Direct crew in performance of drills. * Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary ... Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$780 - $875/hr

Direct crew in performance of drills. * Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary ... Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Seattle, WA · On-site

$780 - $1.0K/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct inspections and monitor tug/barge maintenance activities. * Assign work projects for crew ... boat/barge tie up. * Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Seattle, WA · On-site

$1.0K/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct inspections and monitor tug/barge maintenance activities. * Assign work projects for crew ... boat/barge tie up. * Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas ...

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Tug Boat Crew information

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$10

$21

$32

How much do tug boat crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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.
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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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN

US Department of the Navy

Everett, WA • On-site

$35.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Locations:
  • Everett, Washington
  • Bangor, Washington
  • Bremerton, Washington
Qualifications:This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible. The Screen-out Element for this position is: THE ABILITY TO DO THE WORK OF THE POSITION WITHOUT MORE THAN NORMAL SUPERVISION. Your resume must show that you have the ability to perform common tasks including:
1) Navigating and maneuvering a large yard tugboat alongside vessels to assist in berthing;
2) Supervising the deck crew in the operation and general upkeep of the tug;
3) Operating radar and radio equipment on a tug;
4) Performing tug make-up, line handling, towing, docking, undocking, anchoring, and mooring of a tug
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=WG-5700
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will be required to possess and maintain a minimum of U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Mate of Towing Vessels-Inland with Unlimited Radar Observer or a minimum Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as Mate of Self-Propelled vessels of less than 500 Gross Register Tons (GRT) upon Inland waters with Unlimited Radar Observer.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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