1

Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Tug Mate information

See salary details

$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.
More about Tug Mate jobs

What cities are hiring for Tug Mate jobs?

Cities with the most Tug Mate job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Tug Mate jobs?

The most popular types of Tug Mate jobs are:

What states have the most Tug Mate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tug Mate jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Tug Mate jobs?

For Tug Mate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Chief Mate - OTB

Seattle, WA • On-site

Centerline Logistics Corporation
Transportation and Warehousing • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Centerline Logistics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Tugboat Mate Position

Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders and directions of the captain. Must be prepared to assume command in the event of incapacity of the captain. Responsible for safely making and breaking tow with barges, handling lines and wires. Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of the vessel.

Responsibilities

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited, to the following:

  • Stand wheelhouse watch alternating with captain.
  • Oversee safety of vessel including all installed equipment and inspections thereof.
  • Maintain chart corrections and light lists for Area of Operations.
  • Instruct deckhands in seamanship skills.
  • Assist captain in barge landings and must be able to communicate distances and directions to captain accurately and concisely.
  • Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary.
  • Inspection for cleanliness of vessel.
  • Inventory supplies and order as appropriate.
  • Monitor onboard usage to ensure supplies are utilized in an efficient manner.
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware, power cords.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Previous experience as a Mate or Master of a tug hauling oil barges.
  • Near Coastal Wire Towing Tug or ATB experience preferred.
  • Valid Coast Guard license with towing and radar observer endorsement.
  • Chief Mate Inland
  • Min: 500 Ton Mate, Mate Pilot of Towing inland or near coastal
  • Tank Barge PIC W/experience as qualified PIC onboard tank barges.
  • Chief Mate Offshore
  • Min: 1600 Ton Near Coastal or Oceans Mate, Mate, Pilot of towing N/C or Oceans with equivalent STCW endorsements
  • GMDSS, ECDIS
  • STCW endorsements as VPDSD (STCW A-VI/6.6-8) or Vessel Security Officer (VSO) endorsement required.
  • Tank Barge PIC W/experience as qualified PIC onboard tank barges.
  • Must have Coast Guard approved firefighting training.
  • Valid First Aid/CPR training certificate.
  • Complete 24 hour HAZWOPER training within 90 days of hire.
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Must be able to instruct deckhand on use of all tools and machinery onboard vessel.
  • Able to communicate in English and effectively direct workers in assigning jobs and seeing them through to completion. Must be able to train assigned workers.
  • Must be able to fairly evaluate subordinates.
  • Must be able to understand and use information in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English over telephone and/or radio.

Job Condition and Environment

  • Ability to get along with crew members in confined quarters for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis and physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Must not be afraid of heights.

Expected Hours of Work

  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Willing to take call outs.
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours.

Company Overview

Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.

The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.


What Centerline Logistics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom