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Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

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

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 ...

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 ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Luling, LA · On-site

$42 - $46/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

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

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

ssc

Cargo Mate - Marine

Savannah, GA

The Cargo Mate is primarily responsible for conducting cargo operations, oversee deck hands ... Articulated Tug/Barge experience preferred Physical Requirements: * Able to work in confined spaces ...

Foss Maritime

2nd/3rd Mate Oceans

Seattle, WA

$720/day

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... About the Role As a union mate you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and ...

Foss Maritime

2nd/3rd Mate Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$720/day

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... About the Role As a union mate you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and ...

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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 Jul 15, 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.

How do you get a job on a tugboat?

To become a tug mate, candidates typically need a maritime or marine transportation certification, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, and relevant experience or training in vessel operations. Physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment are also important for securing a position on a tugboat.

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.

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 4000 a week without a degree?

A Tug Mate typically earns around $4,000 a week through skilled maritime work involving towing and vessel operations, often requiring specialized training or certifications but not necessarily a college degree. Other high-paying jobs without a degree include commercial fishing, certain sales roles, and skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which depend on experience and certifications. These roles often involve physically demanding work, irregular hours, and on-the-job training.
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Tug Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Mate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $72,583 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Third Mate - ATBs

Fairwater

Dania Beach, FL • On-site

$22.75 - $25.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The name "Fairwater" speaks to our firm and steadfast commitment to partnership, equity, and trust.

Position Title: Third Mate - ATBs

Schedule: West Coast, Gulf, and East Coast: 28/28. Western Alaska: 45/45

Location: East Coast, Gulf, West Coast and Alaska

Required Qualifications

Education/Credentials

  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Oceans
  • Mate of Towing Vessels or completed TOAR (preferred)
  • Current ECDIS and Radar certificates
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Valid STCW with all required endorsements (including, but not limited to: OICNW, GMDSS, and Advanced Firefighting)
  • TWIC
  • Valid Passport - must be able to travel internationally.
  • PIC Barge (DL)

Experience

  • Familiarity with ATB or conventional tug barge
  • Familiarity with Multi-grade and/or Chemical cargo transfer experience
  • Familiarity with all aspects of cargo and ballast operations and regulations
  • Candidate will be required to show competence in supporting deck and engineering operations

Languages

English

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disability

Fairwater reserves the right to revise or change job descriptions and responsibilities as the need arises.

This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disability

Fairwater reserves the right to revise or change job descriptions and responsibilities as the need arises.

This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

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