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Tug Boat Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA · On-site

$686/wk

Overview Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out ... boat/barge tie up. * Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA

$600 - $686/hr

Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders ... boat/barge tie up. * Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate

Bayonne, NJ

Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders ... boat/barge tie up. * Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches ...

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Work 6 months a year while earning $80,000k+ once you reach Deckhand/Mate/Captain Level! As your ... Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from ...

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Work 6 months a year while earning $80,000k+ once you reach Deckhand/Mate/Captain Level ! As your ... Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

Overview Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out ... boat/barge tie up. * Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Work 6 months a yearwhile earning$80,000k+once you reach Deckhand/Mate/Captain Level! As your ... Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from ...

Bristol Bay Fuels

Mate

Kenai, AK · On-site

Directs activities of crew engaged in cleaning and painting of boat. * Stands watch during ... Tug and Barge experience required. * Valid Driver's License is required. * Transportation Worker ...

CNIC Careers

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN

Everett, WA · On-site

$35.90/hr

... of the tug; 3) Operating radar and radio equipment on a tug; 4) Performing tug make-up, line ... Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Mate of Towing Vessels-Inland with ...

The Vane Brothers Company

$60 - $80/hr

The mate is second in command, standing the watches opposite the captain. The mate stands the noon ... tug captains approval. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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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 Sep 8, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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What states have the most Tug Boat Mate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tug Boat Mate jobs include:

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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 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,583 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Fleet Deckhand - St. Louis MO

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

Fleet Deckhand - St. Louis, MO
This is a full-time, non-exempt level position. 

Position Summary: 

  • 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 St. Louis, MO. 

Job Responsibilities: 

  • General housekeeping and upkeep of the vessel, including washing, chipping, painting, and cleaning
  • Tow work, including building rigging, and building tow for Lineboats
  • Fleet work, including preparing barges for delivery to local customers
  • Assisting barge cleaners, mechanics, and welders may also be required
  • Assist the captain with required vessel reports in compliance with environmental, safety and USCG regulations and report any problems or damage
  • Report all injuries, illnesses, and near misses in a timely manner
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as required or requested 

Job Requirements: 

  • Ability to follow direction and execute tasks under the supervision of captain or mate
  • Inland waterway decking experience preferred, but not required
  • Reading and writing skills sufficient to comprehend/complete a variety of documents
  • Ability to work in a flexible schedule; must allow for changes in assignments, and priorities depending upon identified needs of the vessel
  • Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
  • Must be able to work in all types of climates
  • Promote the ADM Way and core Values
  • Must have a demonstrated history of safe work behavior and a sincere desire to follow and improve upon safety policies and procedures
  • Ability to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and Holidays 
  • Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card required.  If you do not have a TWIC card upon hire, you must apply for one within 5 days
  • Fleet Deckhands will be assigned to one of the following schedules:
  • 5 day shifts, 5 night shifts, 5 days off

Physical Requirements: 

  • Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screening and Company human performance exam (physical ability test)
  • Standing for prolonged periods of time
  • Frequent heavy lifting
  • Prolonged periods of kneeling, bending and climbing stairs/ladders
  • Ability to work near or on large bodies of water, at various heights and in confined spaces  

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:111265BR

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