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Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA · On-site

$686/wk

Overview Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out ... Experience as a Mate or Master of a tug hauling oil barges. * Minimum 200 Ton Mate Near Coastal ...

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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 12, 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.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Tug Mate typically earns less than $10,000 a month, as this role involves manual labor and maritime tasks with moderate pay. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $10,000 monthly without a degree include commercial fishing, offshore oil rig work, and certain sales or entrepreneurial roles that rely on experience and skills rather than formal education.

How much does a mate make on a tugboat?

A tugboat mate typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Mates are responsible for assisting the captain, handling lines, and ensuring safety during operations, often requiring certifications such as STCW and relevant maritime training.

How much does it pay to work on a tugboat?

Tugboat crew members, including tug mates, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with seniority and specialized skills such as navigation or safety training, and work often involves shift schedules and physical demands.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as specialized contractors, senior consultants, or certain offshore tugboat operators like Tug Mates with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require advanced skills, industry-specific licenses, and work in demanding environments, with earnings influenced by project scope and location.
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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/Captain of Towing

Tug Mate/Captain of Towing

MILLERS TUG AND BARGE INC.

New York, NY • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

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Job description

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 we have had vessels work up and down all coasts of the US as well as internationally. The Company policy has always been to conduct its business in such a way to strive for excellence in safeguarding employees, equipment, the public and environment, zero harm to people, zero incident and zero spill. The Company recognizes that it is vital, and essential to integrate safety into all operations and activities.

From the solitary launch passenger to the largest corporate accounts, our prime objective is customer satisfaction through our "can-do" attitude. For Miller's Launch, there is no such thing as after-hours. We serve the port of the Tri-State Area 24 hours a day, providing prompt response and stellar marine support.

Miller's Launch's marine professionals and top-notch equipment will assure the success of your task. Our personnel are federally licensed operators, certified welders, custom fabricators and fully trained and certified pollution and environmental specialists. Miller’s Launch operates a fleet of about 70 pieces of floating equipment including but not limited to: offshore supply vessels, tugboats, crew boats, utility boats, launch boats, small work boats, rib boats, roll-on roll-off systems, barges and cranes.

Miller’s Launch isn’t just supply boats, tugboats or launch boats we adapt to our clients’ needs and wants. From moving heavy equipment or trucks on and off islands, to offshore wind support, emergency oil spill response, to film/photo/drone shoots and productions.

Our business is the water.

POSITION:

Millers Launch Inc. is seeking a qualified individual to fill a full-time position as a Tug Mate, working a two week on two week off rotation. The successful candidate will be responsible for the management and documentation of widespread safety, health and environmental policies for the vessel. This individual will be responsible for the vessel’s compliance with local, state, federal and international laws and regulations pertaining to navigation, safety, health, and environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Work as directed by Towing and/or project personnel

· Stand wheelhouse watch on the assigned vessel

· Comply with all state and federal regulatory requirements

· Responsible for executing MT&B Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) aboard the assigned vessel

· Preparation, management, and facilitation of safety meetings and safety drills

· Complete Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and or Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA)

· Delegate daily tasks to the crew to ensure operational readiness

· Oversees training and mentoring of crew members

· Follows company and work site safety policies/procedures and commits to an “incident and injury-free” work environment

· Responsible for the safe transportation of barges vessels and crew

· Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of tug and barge

· Direct crew in the performance of drills

· Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary

· Prepare, monitor, and update vessel work lists and maintenance schedules

· Ensure all crewmen are performing their duties

· Work aboard boats and barges using heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs as needed

· Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

· 5+ years total experience with at least 2+ years of experience in a Mate role

· Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) Master 100 Ton Near Coastal

· Mate of Towing endorsement

· Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

· CPR/AED First Aid Certification

· Driver's License

· Knowledge of NY Harbor a Plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Must be able to tolerate rough seas, vibrations, heat, harsh weather conditions, confined spaces, and high noise levels

· Work will frequently require individuals to push, pull, bend or stand for long periods of time, and climb ladders that have capacity limits of 300 lbs.

· Must be able to lift or carry miscellaneous equipment, supplies, and parts up to 50 lbs. unassisted

· Ability to maneuver through/in/around small and/or confined areas within a vessel, as applicable Must be able to maintain both static and dynamic standing balance to complete various duties associated with the job

· Must be capable of performing emergency duties as listed in the vessel’s station bill when onboard a vessel

BENEFITS:

Miller’s Launch offers excellent benefits for medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match, and PTO.

Millers Launch is an equal-opportunity employer.

Company Description

Providing First-Class Marine Service Since 1977.
Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller's Towing and Salvage are marine support companies with local offices on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast. Our Local knowledge helps us provide the best marine support that our customers have come to depend on.