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Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sause Bros.

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

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 ...

Sause Bros Inc

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

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 ...

Sause Bros

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

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 ...

Fairwater

Third Mate - ATBs

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

$22.75 - $25.50/hr

Third Mate - ATBs Schedule : West Coast, Gulf, and East Coast: 28/28. Western Alaska: 45/45 ... Familiarity with ATB or conventional tug barge * Familiarity with Multi-grade and/or Chemical cargo ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ... Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

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 ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA · On-site

$600 - $686/hr

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

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Looking for Mate of Towing with experience working with dredging operations. * Work schedule is 28 ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and ... Looking for Mate of Towing with experience working with dredging operations. * Work schedule is 28 ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders ... Mate of Towing Endorsement Near Coastal. * Radar observer endorsement and Coast Guard approved ...

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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 Sep 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 is a tug mate?

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 common responsibilities of a tug mate?

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

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.

How to become a tug mate on a tugboat?

To become a tug mate on a tugboat, you typically need to gain experience as a deckhand or crew member, obtain relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), and develop skills in navigation, safety procedures, and vessel operations. Advancement often requires working on vessels, accumulating sea time, and completing additional training or certifications specific to maritime towing operations.
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Tug Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Mate job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,583 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR • On-site

Sause Bros.
See more jobs at Sause Bros.external

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description:

General Description:

This position reports directly to the Master, and assists in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, and is responsible for overseeing and directing the crew in their respective deck duties. It is the responsibility of the Mate to see that all deck operations and procedures are carried out in accordance with approved company policies and procedures 

Responsibilities/Performance Standards:

1. Carry out all instructions from the Master.

2. Assist the Master in the daily operation of the tug.

3. Follow approved Sause Bros.’ operational procedures and guidelines in the course of executing responsibilities.

4. In conjunction with Master, plan and supervise appropriate deck work.

5. Lead crew members in safely making and breaking tow, and in the safe and proper moorage of the tug and tow.

6. Inspect the tow and cargo prior to departure and report any hazards or potential problems to the Master

7. Maintain current all certifications and endorsements necessary to the position of Mate on a Sause Bros.’ towing vessel.

8. Stand a diligent watch and safely navigate the vessel in accordance with applicable international, federal, state, and harbor regulations.

9. Inventory, order, and supervise the proper stowage of deck stores on a per voyage basis.

10. Responsibility for the proper maintenance of the vessel:

a. Inspect vessel weekly, prioritize maintenance needs.

b. If maintenance operations may be safely carried out while at sea, implement or lead such operations.

c. If maintenance operations cannot be safely or appropriately carried out while at sea, notify Master and plan for necessary maintenance in port.

d. Ensure that all maintenance operations are carried out safely, with appropriate personal protective equipment.

11. Assist Master in crew safety meetings, emergency preparedness drills, and other training as needed.

12. Assist Master as requested during emergency situations.

13. Assume command of the vessel and tow in the event the Master becomes unable to discharge his duties. Such circumstances, for example, may result from severe illness or injury. Command of the vessel may be assumed by the Mate only under extreme circumstances, with an understanding of the burden of responsibility adhering thereto.

14. General housekeeping duties as directed by the Master.

15. Be familiar with the operation and maintenance of all deck machinery, including the tow winch, and deck barge machinery.

16. Wear personal protective equipment as appropriate to safely complete job tasks.

17. Assist in the loading and off loading of stores and equipment.

18. Provide appropriate training and guidance to Training Mates.

19. If Master's license, 500 ton (or greater) is not currently held, endeavor to obtain such license with an Ocean Endorsement as soon as possible.

20. Successfully complete annual Coast Guard physical examination.

21. Other duties as assigned.


Requirements:

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Valid Merchant Mariner Credential

2. Valid license for Mate 200 GRT on Ocean routes with Mate of Towing Vessels endorsement

3. Valid TWIC

4. Valid Passport

5. STCW II/3, VI/6

6. Radar Observer endorsement

7. ARPA certificate

8. Marine Radio Operators Permit

9. Progressive experience on outside towing vessels (i.e. other than inland waters)

10. Or as approved by the President

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