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Tug Dispatch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Direct routine vessel maintenance, inspections, and activities necessary to ensure the tug remains ... Coordinate with port authorities, dispatchers, pilots, customers, and marine contractors to ensure ...

Be Seen First

Direct routine vessel maintenance, inspections, and activities necessary to ensure the tug remains ... Coordinate with port authorities, dispatchers, pilots, customers, and marine contractors to ensure ...

Be Seen First

Direct routine vessel maintenance, inspections, and activities necessary to ensure the tug remains ... Coordinate with port authorities, dispatchers, pilots, customers, and marine contractors to ensure ...

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Personnel functions such as hiring, training, dispatching, disciplining, terminating ocean vessel ...

Port Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$107.97K - $161.95K/yr

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Personnel functions such as hiring, training, dispatching, disciplining, terminating ocean vessel ...

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Personnel functions such as hiring, training, dispatching, disciplining, terminating ocean vessel ...

Regional Driver

Buhl, ID ยท On-site

$1.11K - $1.45K/wk

Regional Driver will work with both Dispatch Manager and Transportation manager for loads and ... Occasionally requires pulling using upper extremities to exert force to draw, drag, haul or tug ...

Must be able to teach all aircraft ground handling functions, including dispatch of aircraft with Lektro Tug units. * Strict adherence to all EGOM and Envoy rules, regulations, and safety policies is ...

Must be able to teach all aircraft ground handling functions, including dispatch of aircraft with Lektro Tug units. * Strict adherence to all EGOM and Envoy rules, regulations, and safety policies is ...

Regional Driver

Buhl, ID

$1.11K - $1.45K/wk

Regional Driver will work with both Dispatch Manager and Transportation manager for loads and ... Occasionally requires pulling using upper extremities to exert force to draw, drag, haul or tug ...

Must be able to teach all aircraft ground handling functions, including dispatch of aircraft with Lektro Tug units. * Strict adherence to all EGOM and Envoy rules, regulations, and safety policies is ...

Crewing Coordinator

Seattle, WA

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Overview The Olympic Tug & Barge (OTB) Crewing Coordinator organizes all aspects of crew changes ... Assists Dispatchers in scheduling crew changes and calling crewmembers. * Provide various billing ...

Dispatch, 4pm - 5:30pm * 10-11 hours per day Overview: Join National DCP, LLC (NDCP) as a Shuttle ... Ability to repetitively lift, tug pull 50lbs+ and operate a hand truck and/or hand pallet jack ...

Customer Service Representative

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

... barge/tug, tank transfers orders in Kinder Morgan's Galahad inventory system, the Terminal ... Experience dispatching, scaling trucks and calculating loads according to DOT regulations Physical ...

Dispatch, 4pm - 5:30pm * 10-11 hours per day Overview: Join National DCP, LLC (NDCP) as a Shuttle ... lift, tug pull 50lbs+ and operate a hand truck and/or hand pallet jack to delivery product to ...

Driver

Sunrise, FL ยท On-site

$90K/yr

Dispatch time between 1:30-3:30am Overview: Join National DCP, LLC (NDCP) as a Driver, delivering ... Ability to repetitively lift, tug pull 50lbs+ and operate a hand truck and/or hand pallet jack to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Tug Dispatch information

See salary details

$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
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.
AB Deckhand, Alaska

$424.20/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview
Maintain the vessels in a state of readiness to perform work for customers as needed. Perform work as directed by Captain and/or Mate of vessel and assist Engineer as requested. Job includes pulling and handling heavy lines, wires, and hoses; working on oil and cargo barges; safely making and breaking tow with barges; general vessel maintenance; and other tasks that may be assigned from time to time.
Responsibilities
The job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Deck must be cleaned and free of lines. Make up all tows as directed by captain or mate. Deckhands are to be trained to perform the following skills in addition to other skills required by the captain or mate.
  • Use the radio
  • Knot tying, line/wire splicing, make up and handle heaving lines and messengers
  • Make up and throw heaving lines
  • Perform lubrication services
  • Properly tie off barge tows
  • Give proper direction and distance signals and information
  • Steering the tug
  • Fuel tug
  • Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis
  • Empty trash, clean heads and galley daily
  • Remove all garbage and clean all decks at decrew
  • Cleaning heads on tugs daily.
  • Loading supplies.
  • General cleanup of tugs and barges.
  • General cooking and galley duties as may be required.
  • Obtain Tankerman PIC endorsement after one (1) year of employment.

Qualifications
  • Valid USCG AB endorsement required.
  • Permanent residence in Washington or Oregon preferred.
  • Must be legally eligible to enter Canadian Territory.
  • Must be able to comprehend, respond and carry out specific orders from the Captain or Mate.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with Captain, Mate, co-workers, Dispatchers, and customers in English.
  • Ability to learn and make application of safety awareness, injury prevention, and firefighting.
  • Carry out essential job responsibilities and duties listed above with a minimum of direction.
  • Must be able to understand and use information contained in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English over telephone and/or radio.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Must have a valid first aid certificate.
  • Must have CPR training.
  • Complete HAZWOPER training within 90 days of hire.
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Previous work experience helpful but not necessary.

Job Condition and Environment
  • Ability to live in confined spaces and get along with crew members for extended periods of time.
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis and physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware, and power cords.

Expected Hours of Work
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Willing to take call outs.

Company Overview
Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.
The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.