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Tug Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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 ...

ADM is seeking a licensed mariner to Captain and supervise a tug boat at our American River Transportation Company (ARTCo) fleeting location in LaSalle, IL. Job Responsibilities: * Supervises the day ...

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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.
Foss Captain - Long Beach, CA

Foss Captain - Long Beach, CA

Foss Maritime

Long Beach, CA

$148K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Ensures safe navigation of the vessel at all times.

  • Directs and supervises crew members in safe and productive operation of the vessel, its machinery and equipment.

  • Conducts required drills, training, safety meetings and maintains records of such, per company policy.


Job description

About Foss Maritime

Foss Maritime is one of the most recognized and respected maritime brands in the U.S., combining a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach to industry innovation. While deeply rooted in tradition, Foss is evolving at a fast pace, continuously setting new standards for operational excellence and sustainability.

With operations spanning all U.S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore wind projects. Our primary operations are on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.

As part of the Saltchuk family of companies, Foss is a values-driven organization that takes pride in its exceptional team, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer success. With a culture built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, Foss Maritime remains a trusted leader in the maritime industry.

About the Role

The primary responsibility and authority for the execution of all vessel assignments including, but not limited to, planning the most efficient and safe operation of the vessel and its crew, implementing the operating plan in a cost-effective manner, and evaluating and reporting the results. It is the responsibility of all Masters to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, requirements and documentation in the Foss Safety Management System Manual (SMS). Masters have the specific obligation to ensure that all personnel assigned to vessels are provided with information, instructions and directions necessary for meeting the program objectives of safety, environmental protection and quality service through knowledgeable and competent execution of assigned tasks.

What You’ll Do

  • Ensures safe navigation of the vessel at all times.
  • Conducts required drills, training, safety meetings and maintains records of such, per company policy.
  • Conducts and ensures compliance with vessel maintenance and inspection requirements as prescribed by the company.
  • Inspects vessel to ensure conformance with safety standards and maritime regulations.
  • Work closely with customers, pilots and appropriate government agencies to ensure the proper performance of the job.
  • Ensures prompt and accurate reporting of all equipment failures, illnesses, incidents, accidents and damages.
  • Maintains current knowledge of all maritime laws.
  • Directs and supervises crew members in safe and productive operation of the vessel, its machinery and equipment.
  • Holds crew accountable for their adherence to maritime law, company policies and procedures, and their individual performance/productivity.
  • Evaluate all crewmembers in accordance with Company policy and take action as necessary.

What We’re Looking For

  • Thorough knowledge of vessel handling and navigational skills commensurate with operating assignments.
  • Working knowledge of propulsion, auxiliary and deck machinery.
  • Must possess strong written and oral communicative skills.
  • Must be able to economically supervise all aspects of the operation of the vessel, its cargo and crew.
  • Must be able to work independently and without direct supervision.
  • Ability to withstand exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Willing to take call outs.
  • Must possess and maintain a National Master 500/1600 OC or NC license, National Master of Towing, STCW, Radar Endorsement, MMC, and TWIC.
  • 5 years experience as a Master on towing vessels.
  • Conventional tug experience preferred.
  • Z drive tug experience required.

What We Offer

The hourly rate for this position is $17.77 until checked off. The hourly rate for this position once verified is 20.64. For a full-time Captain, this equates to an estimated annual salary of approximately $148,112.64, depending on total hours worked throughout the year. Captains are paid on a 24-hour scale with varying hours of ST, OT, and DT rate.

How to Apply

Ready to set sail with Foss? Submit your application via our careers page. If you need any assistance please reach out to fossjobs@foss.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Drug Free Workplace

Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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