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Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robbins Maritime Inc

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 ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Luling, LA · On-site

$32 - $38/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 ...

Moran Towing Corporation

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 ...

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 ...

Foss Maritime

Foss PNW Captain Trainee/Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

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 ...

Foss Maritime Company

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 ... What We're Looking For * 500 Ton Mate Near Coastal/Oceans or 3rd Mate Unlimited. * Valid Merchant ...

Bristol Bay Fuels

Mate

Kenai, AK · On-site

The Mate position supervises and coordinates activities of crew aboard tugboat. Essential Duties ... Tug and Barge experience required. * Valid Driver's License is required. * Transportation Worker ...

Crowley Maritime Corporation

2ND MATE

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$24.75 - $27.50/hr

Crowley is actively hiring for an Second Mate in our Western Alaska Crowley Fuels tug and barge fleet. This position is a great fit for someone looking for adventure! Have you ever wanted to see a ...

CNIC Careers

MOTOR VESSEL CAPTAIN

Everett, WA · On-site

$35.90/hr

... of the tug; 3) Operating radar and radio equipment on a tug; 4) Performing tug make-up, line ... Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Mate of Towing Vessels-Inland with ...

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Tug Mate information

See salary details

$15

$34

$76

How much do tug mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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.

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Robbins Maritime Inc
Water Transportation • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Robbins Maritime Incexternal

$600 - $675/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching

About us
Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services along the East Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Looking for Mate of Towing with experience working with dredging operations.
  • Work schedule is 28 days on and 14 days off
  • Paid travel to and from the vessel from closest major airport to residence
  • Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection (Vessel Master has ultimate responsibility).
  • Pre-voyage inspections and voyage planning.
  • The safe operation and navigation of the vessel on it’s planned voyage including all dockings and un-dockings/departures and making and breaking tows
  • Ensuring the ability for up-to-date and corrected charts.
  • Maintaining a radio communications log reflecting all vessel-to-vessel communications, waypoints, and job start, stop and standby times.
  • Ensuring other crew members are completing their required duties and responsibilities.
  • Crew safety, vessel safety and Environmental protection.
  • Relieving the Captain in maintaining the safe operation and navigation of the vessel, on her planned voyage, so that neither operator is in operation of the vessel for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period and that adequate rest is received by both.
  • Assisting the Captain in any of his/her other responsibilities as needed or requested.
Requirements:
·         Merchant Mariners Credentials (Mate of Towing-Near Coastal)
·         Valid Driver License
·         Valid TWIC Card
·         Must be able to pass Merchant Mariner Physical/CG-719K and Drug Screening 
·         Must have a Satisfactory Background Check
·         Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team
·         Physical fitness and the ability to handle the demands of working on a vessel
·         Subject to Random Drug Screening
Benefits:
·         Competitive salary and benefits package.
·         Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
·         Voluntary Life Insurance
·         401(k)
·         Safe Harbor 401(k) match
·         Opportunities for professional growth and development.
 
How to Apply:
If you are a dedicated and experienced Tugboat Mate looking to join a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application on our website using the following link. https://www.robbinsmaritime.com/employment-application/. All application and resumes should be sent to hr@robbinsmaritime.com
Robbins Maritime, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.