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Tug Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Captain

Philadelphia, PA

Captain: Reports to: * The Captain reports to the General Manager or his/her designated ... Master of a tug or towing vessel. * Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and ...

McAllister Towing

Captain

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Captain: Reports to: * The Captain reports to the General Manager or his/her designated ... Master of a tug or towing vessel. * Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and ...

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 · 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 ...

MILLERS LAUNCH INC

Licensed Boat Captain

Neptune City, NJ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

100-ton /Near Coastal Captain with at least 2 years experience. Must be able to handle single and ... Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller ...

MILLERS LAUNCH INC

Licensed Boat Captain

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

100-ton /Near Coastal Captain with at least 2 years experience. Must be able to handle single and ... Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller ...

MILLERS LAUNCH INC

Licensed Boat Captain

New York, NY · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

100-ton /Near Coastal Captain with at least 2 years experience. Must be able to handle single and ... Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller ...

McAllister Towing

Captains

Baltimore, MD · On-site

The Captain is required to supervise all crewmembers of the vessel to which he/she is assigned. Description of Duties: * 14/14 schedule in Baltimore, MD * Master of a tug or towing vessel. * Vessel ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR

$780 - $875/hr

Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a radar observer endorsement. * Must have a valid first aid/CPR certificate. * Complete HAZWOPER training ...

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 ...

Russell Marine LLC

Boat Captain

North Charleston, SC · On-site

The Boat Captain will operate a variety of marine vessels in support of the construction or repair ... Six(6) months of experience operating tug boats/marine vessels. * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA)

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Tug Captain information

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$19K

$104.2K

$181.5K

How much do tug captain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for tug captain in the United States is $104,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tug Captain position, and why are they important?

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 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.

More about Tug Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Tug Captain jobs? Cities with the most Tug Captain job openings:
What states have the most Tug Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Tug Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tug Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tug Captain jobs are:
Tug Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $104,157 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Captain

Captain

McAllister Towing

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Historical Information regarding McAllister Towing of Philadelphia: Active in the Port of Philadelphia since the 1940s, McAllister has become a driving force in the Philadelphia harbor, New Jersey and along the Delaware River. McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work. McAllister also provides barge towing services that include both the upper and lower Chesapeake Bay.

General Manager: Captain Benton has been with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia since 2000. He is personally active in all aspects of his business and believes in "Leading from the Front." He also ensures that all his personnel maintain the highest standards in professionalism, safety, and customer service. 

Currently, McAllister Towing of Philadelphia is looking for a Captain.  Description of duties and responsibilities are outlined below: 

Captain:
 
Reports to:
  • The Captain reports to the General Manager or his/her designated representative.
Supervises:
  • The Captain is required to supervise all crewmembers of the vessel to which he/she is assigned.  
Description of Duties:
  • Master of a tug or towing vessel.
  • Vessel Security Officer (VSO) in charge of implementing and maintaining the AWO Alternative Security Program.
  • Responsible to safely and efficiently operate and manage (performance of crew, vessel, and tow).   
  • Serve as Officer in Charge of the Navigation Watch. 
  • Assess and maintain vessel seaworthiness.
  • Ensure the availability and serviceability of required lifesaving equipment.
  • Verify the serviceability of all installed fire detection and firefighting systems and equipment.
  • Require accommodations to be maintained in safe, clean condition at all times.
  • Provide clear direction to subordinates.
  • Prepare periodic performance evaluations for subordinates.
  • Maintain vessel and crew readiness for emergency responses.
  • Conduct and report the results of periodic vessel audits and inspections.
  • Operate and maintain the assigned vessel in accordance with the quality, safety, security and environmental protection policies and procedures in the Vessel Operations Manual.
  • Organize and conduct required training, drills and exercises.
  • Complete, submit and maintain required records, logs and reports.
  • Ensure adequate vessel manning and watches.
  • Project a positive company image and maintain professional, amicable relationships with customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times.
  • Other duties as may be assigned by the General Manager or his/her designated representative.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential
  • Valid 200 Ton License as Master/Master of Towing (1600-Ton Master/Master of Towing preferred)
  • STCW Certification
  • Valid Radar Endorsement
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Fire Fighting Training
  • Valid TWIC card
  • Z Drive Tugboat Experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical
Physical Requirements:
 
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Captain to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew.  Specific physical requirements include:
 
  • Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
  • Adequate hearing.Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
  • Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
  • Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
  • Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
  • Sufficient strength to:
    • Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
    • Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
    • Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
    • Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.
FLSA Status:
  • Exempt
*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor's instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors. 
 
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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