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Tug Dispatch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

G&H Towing

OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$45.90K - $55.90K/yr

Coordinates tug availability with all departments and duty personnel when direct access to the tug by departmental personnel is necessary * Identifies any potential tug shortages as rapidly as ...

CGB Enterprises, Inc.

Marine Dispatcher

La Place, LA · On-site

This job is primarily responsible for scheduling, ensuring security, and dispatching inland tug ... Additionally, this job may dispatch staff in response to incidents and emergency requests from ...

CGB Enterprises

Marine Dispatcher

La Place, LA

This job is primarily responsible for scheduling, ensuring security, and dispatching inland tug ... Additionally, this job may dispatch staff in response to incidents and emergency requests from ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (LA/LB)

Wilmington, CA

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 ...

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA

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 (SoCal)

Wilmington, CA

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 (NorCal)

Oakland, CA

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 ...

Amnav Maritime LLC

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 ...

G&H Towing

Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

Receives orders from the harbor master, agents, and other representatives requiring harbor tug services in the Ports of Houston, Galveston/Texas City, Freeport and Corpus Christi. * The shift during ...

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Tug Dispatch information

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$30K

$62.9K

$103.5K

How much do tug dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tug Dispatcher, and why are they important?

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 are tug dispatchers?

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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,888 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Tug Logistics Coordinator (Night Shift)

Tug Logistics Coordinator (Night Shift)

McAllister Towing

Staten Island, NY

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first sail lighter to carry cargo from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Today, McAllister's tugs provide a wide variety of services to the busy ports of New York and New Jersey, serving the most concentrated and affluent consumer market in the world and handling a significant part of the 16 million tons of cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are regularly employed in offshore towing along the entire East Coast. 

McAllister is proud of its long history in New York Harbor and continues to provide its clients and customers with the highest quality service.

McAllister Towing of NY is seeking highly qualified Tug Logistics Coordinator. (night shift) (1800 -  0600).  Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:  

Tug Logistics Coordinator
 
Reports to:
  • The Tug Logistics Coordinator is responsible and accountable to the Operations Manager.
Supervises:
  • None.
Description of Duties:
 

McAllister Towing of New York is currently seeking a FULL TIME Tug Logistics Coordinator (night shift). MUST be local AND have a flexible schedule and able to work holidays, weekends, night shift, mid shift, etc... HOURS will vary! Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail.  Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.

The Tug Logistics Coordinator handles communications between the home office, management, shipping agents, ships, pilots, and boat crews, ensuring that all are properly informed of shipping activity.  The Dispatcher works with management and personnel to ensure proper coordination of operations.

  • Operates electronic communication systems and equipment including two-way radios, telephone systems, fax machines, various computers and software programs, and cellular telephones. 
  • Communicates and interfaces with management, shipping agents, and reporting agencies to gather information and schedules for shipping activity. Works with Personnel Department to coordinate crew activities.
  • Maintaining communications with agents, ships, pilots, terminals and all boat crews necessary to complete ship movements, barge loading and discharging. Ensures pilots are informed about their ships and schedules.
  • Organize and dispatch proper tugs and pilots needed for each job. Evaluate available equipment and crews in light of job requirements and assign tugs and crews accordingly. 
  • Acts as company representative and receives and processes communications and orders from the U.S. Coast Guard relating to holds, boarding activity, vessel searches, oil spills and accidents.
  • Oversee services performed by tug/barge crews and take appropriate measures to ensure that the work was performed in an efficient and professional manner.
  • Update and monitor database system with shipping and pilot activity.
  • Organizes and documents activities by completing forms, reports, logs, and records; will also complete all materials used for billing purposes and sales information.
  • Keeps systems and equipment functioning properly by following operations instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
  • Project a positive image to peers and subordinates; to the customers we serve; to the industry in which we participate; and the community in which we live by producing a cost-efficient, quality service in a safe environment.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements: 
  • Radio operator's license preferred.
  • Must have a valid MMC and TWIC card.
  • Must have organization, problem solving and scheduling skills.
  • Superior customer service and communication skills
  • Excellent analytical skills and have the ability to formulate and communicate directions.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook with the ability to learn new software programs quickly.
  • Must have the ability to operate radios on correct frequencies.
  • Must have a good, clear voice and be fluent and articulate in English. 
Physical Requirements: 
  • Must be able to work 12-hour shifts.
  • The ability to operate a computer terminal.
  • The ability to operate telephones and standard office equipment
Preferred Experience:
  • Have thorough working knowledge of the local waterways, channels, and associated terminals, piers, tides and currents.
  • Maritime Industry Experience
Salary: Base Salary $80,000 annually (before OT) commensurate with experience/knowledge of NY Harbor.  
 
FLSA Status: 
  • Non-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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