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Tug Boat Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Broussard Brothers Inc

Tug Boat Captain

Abbeville, LA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Tug Boat Captain Broussard Brothers, Inc. offers competitive pay, health, dental, and vision ... Mate of Towing Job Summary: The Captain is the onboard person ultimately responsible and ...

Vulcan Materials Company

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA

$650 - $750/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Inspect Boat and Other Equipment. Perform daily inspections and maintenance of the vessel ... Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges ...

Vulcan Materials Company

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Inspect Boat and Other Equipment. Perform daily inspections and maintenance of the vessel ... Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges ...

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 ... Boat with Life Boatman (preferred). * Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

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 ... Boat with Life Boatman (preferred). * Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

MATE- Anchorage Harbor

Anchorage, AK · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cook Inlet Tug & Bargehasprovidedmarine services since 1924. We specialize in harbor services ... Boat with Life Boatman (preferred). * Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential required and PIC ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$263/day

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at ... Ability to follow direction and execute tasks under the supervision of captain or mate * Inland ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$245/day

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at ... Ability to follow direction and execute tasks under the supervision of captain or mate * Inland ...

Archer Daniels Midland

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at ... Ability to follow direction and execute tasks under the supervision of captain or mate * Inland ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$236/day

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at ... Ability to follow direction and execute tasks under the supervision of captain or mate * Inland ...

Archer Daniels Midland

ADM is seeking a laborer to work as a deckhand under the direction of a Captain on a tug boat at ... Ability to follow direction and execute tasks under the supervision of captain or mate * Inland ...

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Tug Boat Mate information

See salary details

$15

$34

$76

How much do tug boat mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug boat mate in the United States is $34.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a tug boat mate during daily operations?

Tug Boat Mates often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, coordinating closely with captains and crew to ensure safe vessel maneuvering, and adapting to rapidly changing schedules or assignments. They must remain vigilant and responsive to dynamic port environments, where quick decision-making and clear communication are essential. Additionally, balancing routine maintenance tasks with operational duties can require effective time management and teamwork.

What is a tug boat mate?

Tug Boat Mates are licensed maritime professionals who assist the captain in operating and navigating tugboats, which are vessels used to maneuver larger ships in harbors, rivers, and other confined waterways. Their duties include overseeing deck operations, managing crew members, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and helping with navigation and communication. Tug Boat Mates play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of vessels, especially during docking and undocking procedures.

What is the difference between Tug Boat Mate vs Deckhand?

AspectTug Boat MateDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, TWIC cardSTCW Basic Safety, TWIC card
Work EnvironmentOn tugboats, near ports and waterwaysOn ships, offshore platforms, or vessels
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in maneuvering tugboats, safety checksGeneral vessel maintenance, cargo handling

Both Tug Boat Mates and Deckhands require similar certifications and work in maritime environments. Tug Boat Mates typically have additional responsibilities related to maneuvering tugboats and safety operations, whereas Deckhands focus on general maintenance and cargo tasks. The roles are closely related, with Tug Boat Mates often serving as a step toward more advanced maritime positions.

How much does a tug boat mate make?

A tug boat mate typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. The role requires safety training, maritime certifications, and familiarity with vessel operations and navigation tools.

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

To thrive as a Tug Boat Mate, you need a strong grasp of vessel operations, navigation, seamanship, and often a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the appropriate endorsements. Familiarity with marine communication systems, GPS, radar, and safety equipment is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication skills help ensure safe and efficient vessel handling in challenging environments. These competencies are crucial for protecting crew safety, preventing accidents, and ensuring smooth tug operations in busy or hazardous waterways.

How to become a tug boat mate?

To become a tug boat mate, candidates typically need a valid Merchant Mariner Credential with a towing endorsement, relevant maritime experience, and safety training such as STCW certification. Prior experience operating vessels and knowledge of maritime safety procedures are also important for this role.

How much do tug boat mates make?

Tug boat mates typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. They often work in maritime environments, requiring safety certifications and physical stamina.
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Tug Boat Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Boat Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $72,583 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Tug Boat Captain

Broussard Brothers Inc

Abbeville, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description:


Tug Boat Captain Job Description:


Broussard Brothers, Inc. offers competitive pay, health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(K) match, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and other incentives. SIGN ON BONUS AND HOLIDAY PAY AVAILABLE!!!


* Master of Towing


* Mate of Towing


Job Summary:

The Captain is the onboard person ultimately responsible and accountable for the safety of the crew and passengers, the care of the cargo, equipment and supplies being transferred, as well as for the proper care of the Tugboat and its equipment. As such, he/she is responsible for the conduct of the passengers and vessel's crew as well as for the safe and efficient navigation, handling and maneuvering of the Tugboat in and around other vessels and structures, navigable and open waterways, etc. during the course of its operations. The Captain is further responsible for the safe transportation of the contract companies' personnel, cargo, supplies and equipment. The Captain assumes ultimate responsibility for training and the direct and indirect supervision of the Deckhand and where appropriate, a Wheelman. He/she must ensure compliance with Company, Coast Guard and environmental regulations as they pertain to open water vessels. In addition to this, the Captain is the Company's on-site representative on the vessel. As such, he/she must ensure that his/her conduct and that of the crew is in line with the positive image the Company projects.


Essential Functions:


Ensuring a seaworthy vessel at all times. This shall include the fuel, water, spare parts, safety apparatus, provisions and stores necessary for successfully completing the job are on board and operational..

Ensuring that all engines and other machinery are regularly checked and maintained, and that vessel cleaning, maintenance, and other housekeeping duties are performed in a timely manner.

Maintaining current knowledge regarding the U.S. and local laws and regulations, local requirements of all ports of call, familiarity with handling characteristics of the vessel, operation of the navigational equipment, ect.

Safe operation of and navigation of the vessel. This will also include the safe loading and back loading of the vessel, the safe and secure storage of supplies and equipment transported, as well as for the conduct of the crew and passengers on the vessel.

Ensuring proper training and qualifications of the employee's working under his/her supervision. This shall include ensuring that no employee works in an area they have not demonstrated competence in or, where appropriate, are licensed to perform.

Performing as well as supervising the navigational work and the watch stood by the subordinates so as to ensure the accurate and safe maneuvering of the vessel.

Staying advised of the weather conditions at all times and responding in an appropriate manner in all areas concerned with personnel safety, security of the vessel, and successful completion of the contracting company's objective.


Job Type:

Full-time


Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Referral program

Vision insurance


License/Certification:

USCG Master of Towing License for operating towing vessels in inland waters (near coastal endorsements is a plus)

CPR

First Aid

Firefighting

FCC Radio/Telephone Operating Permit


Schedules:

7/7, 14/7, 14/14, 28/14, 28/28


Work Location:

Intracoastal City, Abbeville, Louisiana

In person


If your disability requires a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 3378935303 or jobs@broussardbrothers.com. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled/Veterans

Requirements: