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Tug Captain Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Key Responsibilities: Looking for Captain of Towing with experience working with dredging ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge ... Key Responsibilities: Looking for Captain of Towing with experience working with dredging ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Key Responsibilities: Looking for Captain of Towing with experience working with dredging ...

Project Management Quality Services

Deckhand

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20.66 - $27.31/hr

... Tug Boat Deck Hand General Duties & Responsibilities: Deckhands work aboard tugboats towing barges under the direction and supervision of the Captain and/or Mate. They perform a variety of hands-on ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ... Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Relieving the Captain in maintaining the safe operation and navigation of the vessel, on her ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Relieving the Captain in maintaining the safe operation and navigation of the vessel, on her ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge ... Relieving the Captain in maintaining the safe operation and navigation of the vessel, on her ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Deckhand

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

POSITION SUMMARY: The Deckhand reports to the Captain and Mate as appropriate. SPECIFIC ... Working on deck, including ship docking and tug mooring operations. * Conducting engine room rounds ...

All JobsTug Captain JobsTug Captain Jobs in Virginia

Tug Captain information

See Virginia salary details

$18.8K

$103.3K

$179.9K

How much do tug captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for tug captain in Virginia is $103,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,400.00 and $126,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a tug captain do?

A Tug Captain is responsible for commanding and operating a tugboat to maneuver vessels in harbors, rivers, or open waters. They ensure the safe towing, docking, and escorting of ships while managing the crew and maintaining compliance with maritime regulations. Tug Captains must have strong navigation skills, knowledge of tides and currents, and the ability to handle emergency situations.

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

To thrive as a Tug Captain, you need advanced maritime navigation skills, strong situational awareness, and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with appropriate endorsements. Proficiency with marine radios, navigation systems (like GPS and RADAR), and tugboat-specific equipment is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and quick decision-making are soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring safety, efficient vessel operations, and clear coordination with crews and port personnel.

What are the typical work hours and conditions for a tug captain?

Tug Captains often work irregular and extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on harbor schedules and ship movements. The job commonly involves shift-work or rotations, and conditions can include working in all weather situations on the water, making adaptability and endurance important. Tug Captains frequently collaborate with deck crews, pilots, and port authorities to ensure safe navigation and docking. Understanding these demands helps job seekers prepare for both the dynamic pace and the teamwork central to this career.

What are popular job titles related to Tug Captain jobs in Virginia?

For Tug Captain jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tug Captain jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Tug Captain jobs in Virginia are:

Tug Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Captain job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,263 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Mate

McAllister Towing

Norfolk, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. McAllister Towing of Virgina has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work.

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.

McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking highly qualified Mate to join our team.   Duties and responsibilities are outlined below: 

Mate: 

Description/Job Summary:

The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug.  The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions.  The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew.   

Preferred Experience:

  • Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman.

Required Qualifications:

  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate license
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Tractor tug/Z drive experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
  • STCW 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
 
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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