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Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge ... Looking for Mate of Towing with experience working with dredging operations. * Work schedule is 28 ...

Mate

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$52.08 - $62.73/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Showing results 21-40

Tug Mate information

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$15

$34

$76

How much do tug mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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 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 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, candidates typically need a maritime or marine engineering background, relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), and experience working on vessels. Prior experience in deck operations and safety training are essential, and applicants often start as deckhands before advancing to a tug mate position.
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Infographic showing various Tug Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $72,583 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

$42 - $46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Moran Towing Corporation (www.morantug.com) has an opportunity available for a Mate, for Moran New Orleans.This is a full-time position.

Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider of commercial ship docking services, marine transportation, LNG support operations, environmental recovery, and commercial diving services. While economies, cultures, markets, and technology will always continue to evolve, our steadfast commitment to partnering with our employees and customers to solve our customers' marine requirements has enabled us to stay the course year after year.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew members are subject to his/her orders. Mates are direct representatives of Moran and are responsible for administering Company policies and procedures.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Carrying out all lawful orders issued by the Captain.
  • Being fully conversant with the Safety Management System.
  • Reviewing current operational status of the vessel.
  • Consulting with the Captain regarding vessel operations and specifically how to handle a situation.
  • Reporting unsafe situations or opportunities for improvement.
  • Reporting any violation, including, breach of regulations or Company policies to the Captain.
  • Undertaking maintenance responsibilities under the Captain's direction and delegating responsibilities to other crew members as required.
  • Assisting with training of the crew as directed.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Captain or his/her designee.

REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS:

  • Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC).
  • Mate of Towing Vessel.
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • STCW certification (if required for service).
  • USCG 719k Physical examination meeting Merchant Mariner Medical certification.
  • Pre-Employment Drug Screening.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug.
  • Excellent communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Work safely in a marine setting.
  • Walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Frequently reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently crouch or stoop.
  • Climb/descend stairs and ladders.
  • Occasionally lift and/or carry up to 60 lbs.
  • Occasionally enter and work in enclosed spaces.
  • Withstand exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, rain, cold and or/humidity.

IN RETURN, WE OFFER:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Career development opportunities
  • Team-oriented work environment
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Company paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Plans
  • Employee Assistance, Health Advocate, and Wellness Programs
  • Generous 401(k) Plan with employer non-elective, matching, and discretionary contributions
  • Company paid Financial Advice Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

Moran Towing Corporation offers generous benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and competitive salaries based on geographic location. Our target pay range for the Mateposition is $42.00 - $46.00 per hour. This pay range represents Moran's commitment to pay transparency and is a reasonable estimate of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. The final salary for this role will be determined based on careful consideration of a variety of factors, such as the candidate's exact location, experience, and expertise related to the qualifications.

Moran Towing Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.