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Tug Master Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Colonial Group, Inc.

Tug Captain

Savannah, GA · On-site

The Master maintains vessel logs and required documentation, reports accidents, injuries, and operational deficiencies, oversees vessel provisioning and supply management, and ensures the ...

Colonial Group

$125 - $150/hr

The Master maintains vessel logs and required documentation, reports accidents, injuries, and operational deficiencies, oversees vessel provisioning and supply management, and ensures the ...

Young Brothers LLC

Tugboat Master I

Honolulu, HI · On-site

Various missions of the tug include: docking and undocking of ship and barges, general towage of a ... ship's Master. * Directs crew in the deployment and recovery of working gear, other traffic ...

Young Brothers

Tugboat Coverage Master

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$50.75 - $68/hr

Various missions of the tug include: docking and undocking of ship and barges, general towage of a ... ship's Master. * Directs crew in the deployment and recovery of working gear, other traffic ...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

MATE TUG CLASS I

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$48.44 - $56.50/hr

Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent). * Must have a current ... Ability to do the work of a(n) MATE TUG CLASS I without more than normal supervision. I have the ...

Young Brothers

Tugboat Master I

Honolulu, HI · On-site

Various missions of the tug include: docking and undocking of ship and barges, general towage of a ... ship's Master. * Directs crew in the deployment and recovery of working gear, other traffic ...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

MATE TUG CLASS I

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$48.44 - $56.50/hr

Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent). * Must have a current ... Ability to do the work of a(n) MATE TUG CLASS I ~ without more than normal supervision.I have the ...

Young Brothers LLC

Tugboat Coverage Master

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$51.25 - $68.25/hr

Various missions of the tug include: docking and undocking of ship and barges, general towage of a ... ship's Master. * Directs crew in the deployment and recovery of working gear, other traffic ...

colonialgroup

Tug Captain

Savannah, GA · On-site

The Master maintains vessel logs and required documentation, reports accidents, injuries, and operational deficiencies, oversees vessel provisioning and supply management, and ensures the ...

colonialgroup

Tug Captain

Savannah, GA · On-site

The Master maintains vessel logs and required documentation, reports accidents, injuries, and operational deficiencies, oversees vessel provisioning and supply management, and ensures the ...

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Tug Master information

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How much do tug master jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug master in the United States is $58.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.52 and $66.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug master?

A Tug Master is responsible for operating and maneuvering tugboats to assist larger vessels in ports, harbors, or open waters. They ensure safe navigation, towing, and docking by using their knowledge of maritime regulations, weather conditions, and vessel handling. Tug Masters work closely with harbor pilots, ship captains, and port authorities to ensure efficient operations. Their role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and relevant maritime certifications.

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

To thrive as a Tug Master, you must have strong vessel handling skills, maritime navigation knowledge, and typically possess relevant maritime certifications such as a Master’s license or STCW qualifications. Familiarity with marine communication systems, towing equipment, and international maritime regulations is crucial for safe operations. Leadership, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure the safe maneuvering of vessels, efficient teamwork, and the smooth execution of harbor and towing operations.

What are the typical working hours and conditions for a tug master?

Tug Masters often work in shifts, which may include nights, weekends, or extended hours depending on port activity and vessel schedules. The role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and requires alertness and quick decision-making in sometimes challenging environments. Work is typically team-oriented, collaborating with crew members, harbor pilots, and port authorities to manage vessel towing and docking. Flexibility and readiness are essential, as tasks can vary daily based on shipping traffic and operational demands.

How much do tug masters make?

Tug masters typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessels they operate. They often require certifications such as a towing or marine license and work in maritime or port environments, sometimes on rotating shifts.
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Tug Master jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Master job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,688 per year, or $58 per hour.

Tug Captain

Savannah, GA • On-site

Colonial Group, Inc.
See more jobs at Colonial Group, Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Colonial Towing, Inc. specializes in providing bunkering services in the ports of Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC. As a Colonial Group, Inc. subsidiary, Colonial Towing partners with Colonial Oil Industries, Inc. to safely deliver the highest-quality marine-grade fuels at competitive prices.
Colonial Towing, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Colonial Group, Inc.
JOB SUMMARY
The Master is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the vessel, tow, and crew, ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role provides overall leadership for vessel operations, including crew supervision, scheduling, performance management, equipment maintenance, voyage execution, and operational reporting.
The Master maintains vessel logs and required documentation, reports accidents, injuries, and operational deficiencies, oversees vessel provisioning and supply management, and ensures the seaworthiness and readiness of the vessel and barges. Additionally, the Master is accountable for maintaining a safe working environment by enforcing safety procedures, conducting emergency drills, ensuring regulatory compliance, and verifying that all required lifesaving, firefighting, and first aid equipment is properly maintained and that crew members are trained to respond effectively to emergencies.
Southeast Intracoastal Waterway experience required.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Authority
  • The Captain of the vessel serves as the Master. In the Captain's absence, the designated relief serves as Master.
  • The Master has overall authority and responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, tow, and crew.

General Responsibilities
  • Maintain a current U.S. Coast Guard license as Master or Operator of Towing Vessels, as required for the position.
  • Ensure the safe and efficient operation and performance of the crew, vessel, and tank barge.
  • Ensure vessels, barges, and associated equipment are maintained in a neat, clean, safe, and operational condition.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, rules, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Report violations of company policy or applicable laws and regulations to management.
  • Receive and execute operational orders for assigned equipment and voyages.
  • Coordinate crew assignments and vessel operations to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to schedule.
  • Ensure proper and efficient utilization of vessels, barges, equipment, and personnel.

Crew Leadership and Personnel
  • Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to assigned crew members.
  • Immediately advise management of anticipated crew shortages or overages to allow for appropriate manning adjustments.
  • Maintain responsibility for crew discipline and performance.
  • Complete crew member performance evaluations as required.
  • Establish and maintain watch schedules for the crew.
  • Ensure no licensed wheelman works more than twelve (12) hours during any 24-hour period.
  • Ensure the vessel's station bill is properly posted.
  • Ensure all crew members understand their assigned stations, responsibilities, and duties during normal operations and emergencies.

Vessel and Equipment Responsibilities
  • Maintain responsibility for the seaworthiness, maintenance, cleanliness, appearance, and overall condition of the vessel.
  • Ensure assigned barges are maintained in a safe and navigable condition.
  • Inspect and monitor vessel and barge conditions and promptly report deficiencies to management.
  • Immediately report damaged or endangered barges and take appropriate action to protect personnel, equipment, cargo, and the environment.
  • Maintain general knowledge of vessel and barge mechanical and electrical systems and coordinate maintenance needs as appropriate.

Operational Reporting and Documentation
  • Maintain an accurate and complete Vessel Daily Log.
  • Ensure required operational activities, incidents, and other reportable events are properly documented.
  • Report all crew injuries and illnesses to the General Manager or Operations Manager as soon as they become known.
  • Document crew injuries and illnesses in the Vessel Daily Log as required.
  • Report accidents involving actual or potential damage to the vessel, tow, barges, other vessels, bridges, docks, locks, buoys, or other fixed objects.
  • Report incidents involving cargo loss, contamination, spills, pollution, groundings, or wheel foulings regardless of the extent of damage.
  • Complete and submit U.S. Coast Guard Form CG-2692 when required.
  • Immediately communicate serious marine incidents, including significant collisions, groundings, sinkings, overturning, cargo loss, pollution events, or major fires, through the appropriate channels.
  • Document accidents and incidents in the Vessel Daily Log and forward required reports to the office.

Vessel Supplies and Provisioning
  • Ensure the vessel is appropriately provisioned with necessary groceries, supplies, fuel, oil, parts, and other operational items.
  • Maintain appropriate inventory and supply levels to support vessel and crew operations.
  • Ensure receipts and supporting documentation for fuel, oil, parts, groceries, and other vessel supplies are submitted to the Port Captain in a timely manner.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness
  • Maintain a safe working environment aboard the vessel and ensure crew compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure fire extinguishers are properly maintained, inspected, recharged, or refilled as required.
  • Ensure each designated fire station is equipped with the appropriate fire hose and nozzle.
  • Ensure an adequate number of approved life preservers are onboard, accessible, and maintained in good condition.
  • Ensure adequate first aid supplies are maintained onboard the vessel.
  • Ensure crew members are properly trained in the use of firefighting and emergency equipment.
  • Ensure crew members understand emergency procedures and their individual responsibilities during emergency situations.
  • Conduct required fire, abandon ship, and other emergency and safety drills in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
  • Ensure lifesaving, firefighting, first aid, and emergency equipment is maintained in proper working condition.
  • Promote safe work practices and immediately address unsafe conditions or behaviors.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
To be considered for a position as Master, an individual must demonstrate the required competencies and qualifications, including:
  • Current U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels.
  • Current endorsement as Tank Barge Person in Charge (PIC-DL), as required.
  • Southeast Intracoastal Waterway experience required.
  • Demonstrated competency in crew management, supervision, and leadership.
  • Basic knowledge of vessel and barge mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Superior vessel handling and navigation skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of applicable company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Approval from the Port Captain.
  • Firefighting training.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated use of the Vessel Response Plan.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated use of the Vessel Security Plan.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Strong leadership and crew management skills.
  • Strong vessel handling, navigation, and situational awareness skills.
  • Thorough understanding of applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations and marine operating requirements.
  • Knowledge of navigation rules, charts, aids to navigation, and marine communication procedures.
  • Ability to safely navigate during daytime and nighttime operations and in varying weather, traffic, and waterway conditions.
  • Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to vessel, equipment, personnel, and environmental emergencies.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with crew members, other vessels, U.S. Coast Guard personnel, dispatchers, managers, and other operational contacts.
  • Ability to communicate using VHF radio, cellular phone, verbal communication, sound signals, and hand signals as required.
  • Ability to read and understand U.S. Coast Guard Notices to Mariners, Rules of the Road, federal regulations, company directives, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publications, navigation charts, and other operational materials.
  • Ability to accurately complete vessel logs, incident reports, regulatory documentation, and other required records.
  • Strong judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, particularly during changing operating conditions and emergency situations.

Work Schedule
  • The normal work schedule for Masters is two weeks on/two weeks off.
  • Weekend and holiday work is required based on vessel schedules and operational needs.
  • The position requires living and working aboard the vessel for the duration of the assigned rotation.
  • Work schedules may vary based on operational requirements, weather, vessel movements, emergencies, and other business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Ability to sit and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to safely walk, climb stairs and ladders, and maintain balance while aboard vessels and barges.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and lift equipment and supplies as needed.
  • Ability to safely move between vessels, barges, and docks.
  • Ability to hear and communicate effectively in a marine environment, including by radio.
  • Must have adequate vision, color recognition, and depth perception to safely navigate and operate the vessel during daytime and nighttime conditions.
  • Ability to perform assigned emergency duties and safely use firefighting, lifesaving, and other emergency equipment.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and marine conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and humidity.
  • Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position safely throughout the assigned work rotation.

Eligibility Requirements: Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
Colonial Group, Inc. is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our organizations. We encourage applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. Colonial Group, Inc. prohibits discrimination of and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

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