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Tug Master Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Young Brothers

Tugboat Master I

Honolulu, HI

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 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 ...

G&H Towing

OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

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. Shifts during the ...

HOLDEN MARINE TOWING INC

Be Seen First

Licensed Tug Operator

Callahan, FL · On-site

$48.48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Master of Towing Vessels * Radar Observer * STCW certification (if needed) * Valid driver's license * Pass USCG 719k physical examination * Pass pre-employment drug screening * Proficient computer ...

G&H Towing

OpCen Watchstander / Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

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. Shifts during the ...

HOLDEN MARINE TOWING INC

Be Seen First

Licensed Tug Operator

Callahan, FL · On-site

$48.48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Master of Towing Vessels * Radar Observer * STCW certification (if needed) * Valid driver's license * Pass USCG 719k physical examination * Pass pre-employment drug screening * Proficient computer ...

Vitus Energy, LLC

Captain - Master

Anchorage, AK

The Master is responsible for the safe operation of the tug and barge while underway, idle, and while engaged in cargo operations. The Master will provide directions to the crew, including setting ...

T. Parker Host

Previous experience as Master of a twin-screw tug engaged in fleet work * Excellent communication skills in order to communicate effectively/efficiently with crew members, shore staff, customer, and ...

T. Parker Host

Push Boat Captain

Braithwaite, LA · On-site

Previous experience as Master of a twin-screw tug engaged in fleet work * Excellent communication skills in order to communicate effectively/efficiently with crew members, shore staff, customer, and ...

Vitus Energy LLC

Captain - Master

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The Master assists and is primarily responsible for the safe operation of the tug and barge while underway, idle, and while engaged in cargo operations. Captain will provide direction to crew ...

T. Parker Host

Previous experience as Master of a twin-screw tug engaged in fleet work * Excellent communication skills in order to communicate effectively/efficiently with crew members, shore staff, customer, and ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug. The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and ...

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Tug Master information

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$12

$58

$81

How much do tug master jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,688 per year, or $58 per hour.

Tugboat Master I

Young Brothers LLC

Honolulu, HI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

JOB PURPOSE: Responsible and accountable for safe operation of the vessel. First order is for the safety of the vessel, second order is for the welfare of the crew and third the safety of the tow. Various missions of the tug include: docking and undocking of ship and barges, general towage of a variety of ship and barge configurations and cargoes in between ports.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:
  • Performs a diverse range of job functions as the captain, including managing several million dollars worth of assets at any given time; is directly responsible for the welfare and lives of the crew.
  • Directs crew in all aspects of vessel operations including: safe navigation, shipboard training and drills, general and preventative maintenance of the vessels machinery, operating systems, construction, and maintenance of the vessels working gear.
  • Determines work schedules and establishes routines.
  • Operates winches and other deck machinery.
  • Pays attention to water depth, weather, tides, and currents, other traffic, surging of the tow, keeping the tow wire clear of the bottom, navigational aids, and voyage schedules.
  • Assists other vessels with attention devoted to the execution of orders received from the Pilot or ship's Master.
  • Directs crew in the deployment and recovery of working gear, other traffic, prevailing weather conditions, vessel's craft, maneuverability, tug handling characteristics, and maneuvering room.
  • Maintains healthy work environment for the crew.
  • Supervises, guides, and monitors the performance of the crew in matters of training, safety, seamanship, maintenance, navigation, and all aspects related to the day to day activities and mission of the tug.
  • Acts as front line liaison between customers, vendors, government officials, and management.
  • Ensures compliance with company policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations.
  • In the event of a failed hazardous material transfer, oil spill, accident, illness, or other serious marine incident, the Tugboat Master is the "person in charge" making all decisions necessary to assess, control, mitigate, and monitor the situation.
  • Ensures all vessel documents are kept current and required reports and logs are completed accurately.
  • Effectively communicates regional goals and objectives.
  • Provides direction and leadership to achieve company Core Values, Mission and Safety Vision.
  • Processes employee evaluations in a timely manner.
  • Directs, motivates and develops employees for maximum performance.
  • Adheres to all company policies.

OTHER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS: Manages projects and performs other duties as assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is generally performed in the field, in all weather conditions and is often accomplished in high noise areas. Mainly outdoors, in, on or about seagoing vessels in dynamic, wet, noisy and odorous conditions. Must able to work for extended periods of time in poorly ventilated confined spaces wearing safety equipment such as, hard hat, gloves, boots, rain gear, and respirators for protection from harmful dust and fumes. May be required to work more than a normal workweek, including weekends. Regular and predictable attendance is a requirement.
Equipment use: Cellular Phone, PC (good Windows Office Skills) similar; SSB/VHF radios; various navigation equipment used onboard vessels; handheld radios;
Work hours: Must be available 24-hours per day, when on duty minimally 6 months per year.
MENTAL DEMANDS: The workday usually has a high number of interruptions and priority changes necessitating the need to remain flexible and focused in order to accomplish tasks.
  • Mathematical ability: Must be able to solve and optimize complex equipment and personnel scheduling scenarios routinely. Must be able to solve basic vessel stability and a basic understanding of Naval Architecture.
  • Attention to detail: Able to follow instructions and to write instructions for detailed and sometimes complex evolutions and procedures in sequence. Must be detail orientated with the ability to adjust to routine dynamics of marine operations taking all informational resources available in the conduct of decision making
  • Concentration: Able to concentrate in high personnel traffic and sometimes stressful environments created by natural conditions as well as machinery noise. Must be able to focus in high stress environments and provide clear and concise decision making and direction.
  • Alertness: When at sea or onboard vessels, alert to sea conditions and changes in vessel performance; alert to telltale indicators of impending failure or damage to equipment and danger to personnel. Must maintain a continuous grasp on the positioning of the assets within the vessel. Must maintain safety situational awareness from both a personal and crew perspective.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit/stand; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Ability to move between buildings, ascend/descend stairs and go outdoors in all kinds of weather. Also for vessel and site visits, one needs the ability to climb ladders and over bulwarks. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
  1. Sitting: Frequently, completing paperwork and during watches
  2. Climbing/Balancing: Frequently, riding, boarding/disembarking and inspecting vessels
  3. Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling: Seldom
  4. Squatting: Seldom
  5. Jumping: Frequently, boarding/disembarking vessels
  6. Twisting: Seldom
  7. Standing: Frequently, oversee work assignments, supervise tasks, observing and maneuvering vessels
  8. Walking: Frequently, oversee work sites, to/from vessels, inspection of pier area
  9. Running: Occasionally when conducting drills and monitoring crew performance
  10. Reaching: Occasionally, inspection and monitoring of vessel equipment, crew performance, climbing ladders
  11. Throwing (overhead, low level): Seldom
  12. Handling: Seldom
  13. Fingering: Frequently, adjusting and inspecting navigation equipment, use of computer equipment
  14. Eye-Hand-Foot coordination: Frequently, when operating tugs, performing administrative duties
  15. Vision (corrected, depth, wide field, color): Constant, operating tugs or monitoring vessel & crew performance during operations or drills
  16. Pushing/Pulling/Lifting/Carrying (up to 25 pounds): Seldom, up to 25 lbs

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS (licenses, degrees, certificates):
Skills/Knowledge:
  • Intimate knowledge of maneuvering characteristics of the tug and tow, stability and loading characteristics and general arrangement of vessel.
  • Skilled in the application, use and limitations of navigational systems including Depth Sounders, Radars, Gyrocompasses, GPS, Loran, Radios, etc.
  • Proficient in the operation of winches and other deck machinery.
  • Understands the operating limitations of vessel's operating systems including the main engines, generators, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, firefighting and lifesaving equipment, steering gear systems, and controls.
  • Ability to maintain a healthy work environment for the crew.
  • Good managerial skills significantly impact the morale and productivity of the crew.
  • Composure to handle uncommonly high degree of authority and responsibility, position requires a highly specialized individual with high degree of emotional intelligence, strong interpersonal skills, common sense, and sound judgment.
  • Ability to handle extremely demanding situations and ability to alter course of action to meeting changing situational demands while maintain constructive behavior under pressure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma is required; preference will be given to candidates with a 4 year college degree. Also must have a marine operations background; being familiar with shipyards, tugs, barges, and shore side management experience is essential. Necessary experience is dependent upon the individual, but a minimum of 5 years sea-going experience as a master of towing vessels. Must have US Coast Guard Master's License, 500 GRT or Greater (500ITC) Near Coastal with Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal, Upon Oceans endorsement preferred. Current radar observer endorsement and FCC marine radiotelephone operator permit, merchant mariner's document. STCW 95 endorsement required.
Young Brothers, Limited is an Equal Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Young Brothers, Limited is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

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