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Tug Boats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Carrollton, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4-Norfolk, Virginia

Carrollton, VA

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats. * Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required. * Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ...

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

North Charleston, SC · On-site

Six(6) months of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels. * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA): Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English to effectively present ...

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

Channelview, TX · On-site

Six(6) months of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels. * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA): Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English to effectively present ...

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

Ingleside, TX · On-site

Six(6) months of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels. * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA): Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English to effectively present ...

Project Management Quality Services

Rigger

Newport News, VA · On-site

$17.34 - $27.31/hr

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 ...

Russell Marine LLC

Deckhand

Channelview, TX · On-site

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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Tug Boats information

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$9

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$49

How much do tug boats jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 is a tug boat?

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

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 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.

How much does working on a tug boat pay?

Tug boat captains and crew members typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in busy ports or offshore environments.

How to get hired on a tug boat?

To get hired on a tug boat, candidates typically need a valid Coast Guard license such as a Mate or Master license, relevant maritime experience, and completion of safety training like STCW certification. Applying through maritime companies, gaining experience in related roles, and demonstrating strong navigation and communication skills can improve employment prospects.
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What states have the most Tug Boats jobs?

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Tug Boats jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Boats job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,502 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Rigger J1 - J4

NASSCO

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team!
We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Rigging department. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for 10 Riggers. The hours are 06:00 - 2:45pm & 3pm - 11pm.
Shift : ALL
Security Clearance: No Clearance
JOURNEYPERSON 4 (Rigging)
  • Fabricates, installs and repairs rigging and weight handling gear on ships.
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and order heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, levers and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Lays out and handles lines on cleats or bollards and hauls in ships with capstans when assisting dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Installs or repairs ships' rigging such as mast on antenna wires, small boat handling gear, shipboard cranes, winches, windless, replenishment and weight handling equipment.
  • Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, steamboat jacks, hydraulic jacks, turnbuckles, rollers, chainfalls, clamps, swivels, crane signals, shipboard nomenclature, forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes, tying knots, use of electric, pneumatic and hand powered tools.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.

JOURNEYPERSON 3 (Rigging)
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ship.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, lever and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads, controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.

JOURNEYPERSON 2 (Rigging)
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces, handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in the ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes tying knots.
  • Use if electric, pneumatic and hand tools.
  • Operate forklifts and aerial lifts.

JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging)
  • Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other loads abroad ship.
  • Assist in the movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Assist in line handling operations, assist in the erection of staging in tanks, above decks, on mast, yardarms and ship's sides.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splicing natural ropes.
  • Tying knots operate forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Use of hand tools.

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:
"Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" Poster | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
Call (757) 543-6801. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications. NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

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