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Tug Dispatch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

G&H Towing

OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

... dispatchers, vessel agents, terminal operators, and regulatory agencies. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ... Coordinates tug availability for fuel & lube servicing, tug maintenance & repairs, and crew changes

G&H Towing

OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

... dispatchers, vessel agents, terminal operators, and regulatory agencies. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ... Coordinates tug availability for fuel & lube servicing, tug maintenance & repairs, and crew changes

Island Tug and Barge CO.

Captain

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Company Description Island Tug and Barge Co. has operated as an independent, family-owned marine ... with dispatch, customers, and shore-side management. This is a full-time role and is primarily ...

Cheniere Energy

Coordinator, Marine

Gregory, TX · On-site

Tug, dispatch and coordination of daily activities for all CCL contract tugs (4). * Monitor and provide an overview of all Marine Operations for records and reports purposes. * Monitors daily dredge ...

Cheniere Energy

Coordinator, Marine

Gregory, TX · On-site

Tug, dispatch and coordination of daily activities for all CCL contract tugs (4). * Monitor and provide an overview of all Marine Operations for records and reports purposes. * Monitors daily dredge ...

Cheniere

Coordinator, Marine

Gregory, TX · On-site

Tug, dispatch and coordination of daily activities for all CCL contract tugs (4). * Monitor and provide an overview of all Marine Operations for records and reports purposes. * Monitors daily dredge ...

G&H Towing

Dispatcher

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

Receives orders from the harbor master, agents, and other representatives requiring harbor tug services in the Port of Corpus Christi (POCC). The dispatcher works a rotational schedule of 12-hour ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on ... Ability to communicate effectively with captain, co-workers, dispatchers and customers. Ability to ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (LA/LB)

Wilmington, CA · On-site

Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs. * Paint inside and outside of tug on an on ... Ability to communicate effectively with captain, co-workers, dispatchers and customers. Ability to ...

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Tug Dispatch information

See salary details

$30K

$62.9K

$103.5K

How much do tug dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for tug dispatch in the United States is $62,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug dispatcher?

Tug dispatchers are professionals responsible for coordinating and scheduling tugboats to assist with the movement of ships in harbors, ports, or terminals. They communicate with ship captains, harbor masters, and tug crews to ensure vessels are safely guided to their berths or out to sea. Tug dispatchers track vessel schedules, manage resources, and respond to changes or emergencies to maintain efficient port operations. Their work is essential for minimizing delays and ensuring the safety of maritime traffic.

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

To thrive as a Tug Dispatcher, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of maritime logistics, often supported by experience or training in marine operations. Familiarity with dispatch software, VHF radio communication, and port management systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, clear communication, and the capacity to work under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient coordination of tug operations, minimizing delays and maintaining port safety and productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by tug dispatchers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Tug dispatchers often face challenges such as coordinating multiple vessel movements simultaneously, handling last-minute schedule changes, and communicating effectively with ship crews and port authorities. Successfully managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, quick problem-solving abilities, and clear communication. Utilizing dispatch software and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of port operations can help dispatchers stay organized and responsive, ensuring safe and efficient tug operations.

What is the difference between Tug Dispatch vs Crane Operator?

AspectTug DispatchCrane Operator
CredentialsTypically requires maritime certifications, radio licenses, and experience in vessel operationsRequires crane operation certifications, OSHA safety training, and sometimes rigging licenses
Work EnvironmentMaritime settings, docks, ports, and offshore locationsConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities, and shipyards
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authorities, maritime logisticsConstruction firms, shipping ports, industrial companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing maritime logistics roles, port operations, or vessel managementIndividuals interested in port or industrial crane work

While Tug Dispatch involves coordinating vessel movements and requires maritime certifications, Crane Operators focus on operating cranes in construction or port environments. Both roles are essential in port and maritime industries but differ in work environment, credentials, and daily tasks.

Is it hard to get hired as a tug dispatch?

Getting hired as a tug dispatch operator can be competitive and often requires relevant experience in maritime operations, strong communication skills, and knowledge of vessel movements. Employers may also look for certifications such as STCW or maritime dispatch training, and familiarity with dispatch software. The hiring process typically involves background checks and sometimes physical assessments.
More about Tug Dispatch jobs

What job categories do people searching Tug Dispatch jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Tug Dispatch jobs are:

Tug Dispatch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Dispatch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,888 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Tug Dispatch Lead (A3, 3rd Shift)

DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc.

Erlanger, KY • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

What makes DHL great? Our People!  We know each employee's individual contributions make us the #1 Express Delivery and Logistics Company in the world.

DHL Express is committed to maintaining an environment that empowers every team member to make the greatest possible impact on our business.   Our corporate culture is about personal commitment - to our business, to each other and to our global communities.  DHL is dedicated to being a great place to work. In addition to competitive compensation packages, our employees enjoy a range of programs, services and benefits that bring the best to their personal lives. 

Start YOUR career with DHL today... 

The Tug Dispatch Lead is responsible for establishing and executing and training the policies and procedures necessary to manage the physical movement of inbound or outbound cargo within, into, and out of the hubs. The position ensures that the entire process meets customer and internal requirements and is completed in an organized, efficient and safe manner.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Training for the employees that processes packages/freight within the hub
  • Issues documents verifying the training process to applicable department(s)
  • Ensures the training of each employee meets company standards of each department during package/freight processing
  • Works closely with new hires and tracks the progress of each employee's training
  • Ability to multi-task and direct multiple employees

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Minimum 5 years Tug Dispatch operations experience
  • Experience with training employees is helpful
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Computer skills (Microsoft office)
  • Professional Appearance
  • Flexible shift required

DHL is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.  The EEO is the Law poster is available here:  https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/eeo-law-poster 

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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