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Tug Boat Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$35.90 - $41.99/hr

You will pilot and efficiently handle the tug during normal operations. * You will instruct the ... Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Mate of Towing Vessels-Inland with ...

Stand a proper lookout watch when directed by the Master or Mate. * Assist with tug and barge ... Clean and disinfect all areas of the boat, both interior and exterior. * Stow loose equipment and ...

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... Must be capable of training mate and deck hand in the safe performance of their duties. * Must be ...

Captain

Portland, OR

$780 - $875/hr

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ... Must be capable of training mate and deck hand in the safe performance of their duties. * Must be ...

Showing results 41-60

Tug Boat Mate information

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$15

$34

$76

How much do tug boat mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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.

More about Tug Boat Mate jobs

What cities are hiring for Tug Boat Mate jobs?

Cities with the most Tug Boat Mate job openings:

What states have the most Tug Boat Mate jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Tug Boat Mate jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Tug Boat Mate jobs are:

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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Centerline Logistics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Maintain the vessel's engine room and equipment in a state of readiness to perform work for customers as needed. Perform start up and shut down, troubleshooting, and maintenance of vessel power and propulsion systems. This job includes pulling heavy lines and hoses, working on oil and cargo barges, general vessel maintenance, and other tasks that may be assigned from time to time. Perform work as directed by captain and/or mate of vessel.


The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

ENGINE ROOM WORK:

  • Preventive maintenance and underway repairs on main engines and gears, pumps, motors, plumbing, deck machinery (including towing winch(es)), and auxiliary generator units.
  • Perform routine periodic maintenance about tug and on barge as needed.
  • Maintain proper liquid levels for tug operations.
  • Perform lubrication services.
  • Monitor and record operating condition of engine room equipment.
  • Maintain daily log with proper readings and times.
  • Engine room must be kept clean and ready for operation at all times.
  • Wash down engine room weekly and at every decrew.
  • Fuel tug.

DECK WORK:

  • Make up all tows as directed by captain or mate.
  • Use the radio.
  • Knot tying, line/wire splicing, make up and handle heaving lines and messengers.
  • Make up and throw heaving lines.
  • Properly tie off barge tows.
  • Give proper direction and distance signals and information.
  • Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis.
  • Loading supplies.
  • General cleanup of tugs and barges.
  • General cooking and galley duties as may be required.
  • Fill out material requisitions and work order forms.

  • Two years previous work experience on marine diesels necessary.
  • MMC and DDE Unlimited
  • PIC
  • Must be able to comprehend and respond and carry out specific orders from the Captain or Mate.
  • Ability to learn and make application of safety awareness, injury prevention, and firefighting.
  • Carry out essential job responsibilities and duties listed above with a minimum of direction.
  • Must be able to understand and use information contained in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Operate all firefighting and lifesaving equipment aboard.
  • Electrical systems high (up to 480) and low voltage.
  • Knowledge of Hydraulic Systems.
  • Proper use of power tools including welding and cutting equipment.
  • Must be able to work independently and without direct supervision.
  • Must complete firefighting training within 6 months of hire.
  • Must have a valid first aid certificate.
  • Must have CPR training.
  • Complete HAZWOPER training within 30 days of hire.
  • Valid state driver’s license.

  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Ability to live in confined spaces and get along with crew members for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis and physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.
  • Must not be afraid of heights

  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Willing to take call outs.

Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies. 

The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.


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