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Tug Boats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Six (6) months of experience in the marine construction industry (e.g. laborer working on barges, tug boats, sandblasting, painting, etc.). * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA): General knowledge of ...

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Port Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Job Summary Miller's Tug and Barge is seeking an experienced Port Engineer to oversee the ... Crew Boats or barges . * USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (DDE Unlimited or higher preferred)

Diesel Mechanic

Dunbar, WV

$23 - $30.25/hr

Experience working on construction equipment, preferably dump trucks, trailers, wheel loaders, skid steers, and tug boats * Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays

Diesel Mechanic

Dunbar, WV · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Experience working on construction equipment, preferably dump trucks, trailers, wheel loaders, skid steers, and tug boats * Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays

Tug Deckhands and any other on-board crew Location: United Bulk Terminals, Davant In 2019, T ... Responsible for safe navigation, and vessel & crew management, of push boats at United Bulk ...

Tug Deckhands and any other on-board crew Location: United Bulk Terminals, Davant In 2019, T ... Responsible for safe navigation, and vessel & crew management, of push boats at United Bulk ...

$57K - $62K/yr

Riggers are also responsible for operation of the shipyard's tug boats - moving ships between dry docks and piers, and mooring ships while at the piers and outfitting berths. Riggers handle every ...

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Tug Boats information

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$9

$22

$49

How much do tug boats jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug boats in the United States is $22.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by tug boat operators during daily operations?

Tug boat operators often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, coordinating with large vessels in crowded ports, and responding quickly to emergencies like mechanical failures or unexpected changes in schedules. Effective communication with harbor pilots and crew members is crucial to ensure safe maneuvering. Adapting to changing tides and currents, as well as maintaining high safety standards, are also essential parts of the role.

What is the difference between Tug Boats vs Marine Pilots?

AspectTug BoatsMarine Pilots
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, towing licensesSTCW certification, pilot license
Work EnvironmentHarbors, ports, offshoreVessels, port areas, ships
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authoritiesShipping companies, port authorities

Both Tug Boats operators and Marine Pilots work in maritime environments and require similar certifications. Tug Boats operators focus on maneuvering vessels using tugboats, primarily in harbors and offshore areas. Marine Pilots, on the other hand, guide ships through ports and narrow waterways. While their roles differ in scope, they often collaborate to ensure safe vessel navigation in busy maritime zones.

What is the demand for tug boat jobs?

The demand for tug boat jobs remains steady due to ongoing needs in shipping, port operations, and offshore industries. Employment opportunities often depend on economic activity, maritime trade volume, and the availability of certifications such as STCW and TWIC. Experienced tug boat operators with specialized skills are typically in higher demand.

How much does it pay to work on a tugboat?

Tugboat crew members typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced captains and engineers can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay.

How do you get a job on a tugboat?

To get a job on a tugboat, candidates typically need a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the Coast Guard, along with relevant experience or certifications such as a towing endorsement. Prior maritime experience, physical fitness, and safety training are also important for employment in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tug Boat Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tug Boat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime operations, navigation, and vessel handling, usually backed by a relevant maritime license such as a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine radios, and engine control systems is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and communication skills help ensure safe and efficient maneuvering in challenging environments. These skills are crucial to guarantee the safety of crew, vessels, and cargo while operating in busy or confined waterways.

What are tug boats and what do they do?

Tug boats are specialized vessels designed to maneuver other ships by towing or pushing them, especially in harbors, narrow waterways, or busy ports. They are essential for guiding large ships that cannot easily navigate tight spaces on their own, such as container ships, oil tankers, and barges. Tug boats are equipped with powerful engines and are highly maneuverable, making them crucial for the safe docking, undocking, and movement of vessels in confined areas. In addition to towing ships, tug boats may also assist in salvage operations and firefighting on the water.

What qualifications do you need to work on a tug boat?

To work on a tug boat, individuals typically need a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a towing endorsement from the Coast Guard, along with relevant experience and training in navigation, safety, and vessel operations. Certifications such as First Aid and CPR are also often required, and a maritime or marine engineering background can be beneficial.
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Infographic showing various Tug Boats job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,502 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Baltimore, MD

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we’re appointed – improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.

In addition to immediately serving our customers’ vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain – from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring. 

Position Summary:

Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules. 

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Operations Management

  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise 
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory

  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service

  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Prior customer service experience, required.  Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.