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Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coast Guard License as Mate of Motor and Steam Vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons • Possess a Mate of Towing Endorsement or a Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) • PIC endorsement ...

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Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Tug Mate of Towing OVERVIEW Since 1977, Miller's Launch's most important goal is to please customers on, near or across the waters in New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ) and Connecticut (CT). Since then ...

Coast Guard License as Mate of Motor and Steam Vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons · Possess a Mate of Towing Endorsement or a Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) · PIC endorsement ...

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges (Preferred). Must also have Experience navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through ...

LineHaul Tug Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$650 - $750/day

Must have previous experience operating a tug boat in rivers and/or bays with multiple barges (Preferred). Must also have Experience navigating shallow waters and maneuvering a tug with a tow through ...

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 ...

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 ...

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment physical Preferred Qualifications: * Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans * NY Harbor experience Salary : Day Rate ...

Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment physical Preferred Qualifications: * Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans * NY Harbor experience Salary : Day Rate ...

Mate

Cameron, LA · On-site

$53 - $57/hr

Live aboard tug 7 to 14 days straight with a rotating schedule of equal time on and equal time off ... Mate of Towing Vessel. * Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). * STCW ...

Tugboat Mate

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$36.50 - $40/hr

As a Mate with 41 North Offshore, you serve as a key member of the vessel's leadership team and assist the Captain in the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the tug. This position is ...

It is the responsibility of the Mate to see that all deck operations and procedures are carried out ... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ...

It is the responsibility of the Mate to see that all deck operations and procedures are carried out ... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ...

It is the responsibility of the Mate to see that all deck operations and procedures are carried out ... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ...

It is the responsibility of the Mate to see that all deck operations and procedures are carried out ... tug. 3. Follow approved Sause Bros.' operational procedures and guidelines in the course of ...

Second Mate

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $24/hr

Overview Acts as third in command of the tug. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders ... When the unit is inside the sea buoy the Second Mate should be prepared to assist with cargo ...

Second Mate

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $24/hr

Acts as third in command of the tug. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders and ... When the unit is inside the sea buoy the Second Mate should be prepared to assist with cargo ...

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Tug Mate information

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$15

$34

$76

How much do tug mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug mate in the United States is $34.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common responsibilities I can expect as a Tug Mate during a typical shift?

As a Tug Mate, your typical duties include assisting the Captain with navigation, managing deck operations, overseeing the crew, and ensuring all safety protocols are followed during towing and docking maneuvers. You’ll also be responsible for conducting regular safety drills and inspections, maintaining logs and reports, and operating communication and navigation systems. Close teamwork with the Captain, engineers, and deckhands is essential, as is adaptability to shifting assignments based on vessel movements and weather conditions. This role can involve long hours and challenging conditions, but offers invaluable experience for those seeking to advance to the role of Tug Captain or other senior maritime positions.

What is a Tug Mate job?

A Tug Mate is a licensed officer who assists the Tug Captain in operating and navigating a tugboat. They help ensure the vessel's safety, manage the crew, and oversee towing, docking, and maneuvering operations. Tug Mates are also responsible for maintaining logs, conducting safety inspections, and communicating with other vessels and port authorities. Their role is crucial in supporting the captain and ensuring smooth and efficient tugboat operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tug Mate position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tug Mate, you need strong knowledge of maritime navigation, vessel handling, safety regulations, and often a relevant deck officer’s license such as a USCG Mate endorsement. Familiarity with electronic navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and towing operations certifications is commonly required. Excellent teamwork, communication, and situational awareness are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure safe and efficient vessel operations, effective crew coordination, and compliance with maritime regulations in demanding environments.

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Infographic showing various Tug Mate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,583 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Tug Mate

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Role and Responsibilities
Role Specific Responsibilities
• Navigates vessel as directed by Master in a safe and efficient manner
• Performs in a professional manner all aspects of vessel navigation, vessel safety and compliance, and any associated paperwork
• Compliance with the Safety Management System and regulations applicable to the vessel; report nonconformities to Master
• Organizes and manages deck crew in the performance of vessel maintenance and operation
• Completes tasks with minimal supervision
• Trains deck crew in the safe and efficient manner in which to operate deck machinery and to perform deck operations
• Responsible for the efficient and timely notification to the Master of any supplies that are requested and need to be ordered
• Responsible for the safe use and stowage of all deck tools and supplies
• Assists Master as directed
• Performs additional duties as assigned
Requirements
Qualifications
Licensing Requirements
• Possess, at minimum, a current U.S. Coast Guard License as Mate of Motor and Steam Vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons
• Possess a Mate of Towing Endorsement or a Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR)
• PIC endorsement preferred
• Possess a current Passport
• Possess a current TWIC