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Tug Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Tug Mate of Towing OVERVIEW Since 1977, Miller's Launch's most important goal is to please customers on, near or across the waters in New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ) and Connecticut (CT). Since then ...

Tug Deckhands and any other on-board crew Location: United Bulk Terminals, Davant In 2019, T ... Captains will coordinate and execute a rigorous daily schedule to support the facility, and ...

Tug Deckhands and any other on-board crew Location: United Bulk Terminals, Davant In 2019, T ... Captains will coordinate and execute a rigorous daily schedule to support the facility, and ...

Tug Deckhands and any other on-board crew Location: United Bulk Terminals, Davant In 2019, T ... Captains will coordinate and execute a rigorous daily schedule to support the facility, and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

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 ...

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 ...

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$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 ...

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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 Jun 30, 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 are the most commonly searched types of Tug Captain jobs? The most popular types of Tug Captain jobs are:
What states have the most Tug Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Tug Captain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tug Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Summer. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,157 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

MILLERS TUG AND BARGE INC.

New York, NY • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

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Job description

Tug Mate of Towing

OVERVIEW

Since 1977, Miller's Launch's most important goal is to please customers on, near or across the waters in New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ) and Connecticut (CT). Since then we have had vessels work up and down all coasts of the US as well as internationally. The Company policy has always been to conduct its business in such a way to strive for excellence in safeguarding employees, equipment, the public and environment, zero harm to people, zero incident and zero spill. The Company recognizes that it is vital, and essential to integrate safety into all operations and activities.

From the solitary launch passenger to the largest corporate accounts, our prime objective is customer satisfaction through our "can-do" attitude. For Miller's Launch, there is no such thing as after-hours. We serve the port of the Tri-State Area 24 hours a day, providing prompt response and stellar marine support.

Miller's Launch's marine professionals and top-notch equipment will assure the success of your task. Our personnel are federally licensed operators, certified welders, custom fabricators and fully trained and certified pollution and environmental specialists. Miller’s Launch operates a fleet of about 70 pieces of floating equipment including but not limited to: offshore supply vessels, tugboats, crew boats, utility boats, launch boats, small work boats, rib boats, roll-on roll-off systems, barges and cranes.

Miller’s Launch isn’t just supply boats, tugboats or launch boats we adapt to our clients’ needs and wants. From moving heavy equipment or trucks on and off islands, to offshore wind support, emergency oil spill response, to film/photo/drone shoots and productions.

Our business is the water.

POSITION:

Millers Launch Inc. is seeking a qualified individual to fill a full-time position as a Tug Mate, working a two week on two week off rotation. The successful candidate will be responsible for the management and documentation of widespread safety, health and environmental policies for the vessel. This individual will be responsible for the vessel’s compliance with local, state, federal and international laws and regulations pertaining to navigation, safety, health, and environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Work as directed by Towing and/or project personnel

· Stand wheelhouse watch on the assigned vessel

· Comply with all state and federal regulatory requirements

· Responsible for executing MT&B Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) aboard the assigned vessel

· Preparation, management, and facilitation of safety meetings and safety drills

· Complete Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and or Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA)

· Delegate daily tasks to the crew to ensure operational readiness

· Oversees training and mentoring of crew members

· Follows company and work site safety policies/procedures and commits to an “incident and injury-free” work environment

· Responsible for the safe transportation of barges vessels and crew

· Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge

· Direct crew in the performance of drills

· Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary

· Prepare, monitor, and update vessel work lists and maintenance schedules

· Ensure all crewmen are performing their duties

· Work aboard boats and barges using heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs as needed

· Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

· 5+ years total experience with at least 2+ years of experience in a Mate role

· Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) Master 100 Ton Near Coastal

· Mate of Towing endorsement

· Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

· CPR/AED First Aid Certification

· Driver's License

· Knowledge of NY Harbor a Plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Must be able to tolerate rough seas, vibrations, heat, harsh weather conditions, confined spaces, and high noise levels

· Work will frequently require individuals to push, pull, bend or stand for long periods of time, and climb ladders that have capacity limits of 300 lbs.

· Must be able to lift or carry miscellaneous equipment, supplies, and parts up to 50 lbs. unassisted

· Ability to maneuver through/in/around small and/or confined areas within a vessel, as applicable Must be able to maintain both static and dynamic standing balance to complete various duties associated with the job

· Must be capable of performing emergency duties as listed in the vessel’s station bill when onboard a vessel

BENEFITS:

Miller’s Launch offers excellent benefits for medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match, and PTO.

Millers Launch is an equal-opportunity employer.

Company Description

Providing First-Class Marine Service Since 1977.
Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller's Towing and Salvage are marine support companies with local offices on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast. Our Local knowledge helps us provide the best marine support that our customers have come to depend on.