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Tugboat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beyel Brothers

Tugboat Captain

Merritt Island, FL · On-site

TUGBOAT CAPTAIN OCEANS W/MASTER OF TOWING ENDORSEMENT At Beyel Brothers, we're dedicated to excellence in crane operations, rigging, heavy haulage, and marine transport. Our mission is to lead with ...

Beyel Brothers

Tugboat Captain

Merritt Island, FL · On-site

TUGBOAT CAPTAIN OCEANS W/MASTER OF TOWING ENDORSEMENT At Beyel Brothers, we're dedicated to excellence in crane operations, rigging, heavy haulage, and marine transport. Our mission is to lead with ...

Beyel Brothers

Tugboat Captain

Merritt Island, FL · On-site

TUGBOAT CAPTAIN OCEANS W/MASTER OF TOWING ENDORSEMENT At Beyel Brothers, we're dedicated to excellence in crane operations, rigging, heavy haulage, and marine transport. Our mission is to lead with ...

Next Gen Logistics

Tugboat Captain

Lake Charles, LA · Remote

Tugboat Captain YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company providing ...

Integratedcooling

Tugboat Captain

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Tugboat Captain YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company providing ...

Next Gen Logistics

Tugboat Captain

Cocodrie, LA · Remote

Tugboat Captain YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company providing ...

Next Gen Logistics

Tugboat Captain

New Orleans, LA · Remote

Tugboat Captain YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company providing ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

If you are a dedicated and an experienced Tugboat Captain looking to join a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application on our website using the following link ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

If you are a dedicated and an experienced Tugboat Captain looking to join a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application on our website using the following link ...

Robbins Maritime Inc

Tugboat Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$725/day

If you are a dedicated and an experienced Tugboat Captain looking to join a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application on our website using the following link ...

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Tugboat Captain information

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$19K

$104.2K

$181.5K

How much do tugboat captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for tugboat captain in the United States is $104,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tugboat captain?

Tugboat Captains are licensed maritime professionals responsible for operating tugboats, which are specialized vessels used to maneuver larger ships in harbors, rivers, and other confined waters. Their duties include safely towing or pushing ships, assisting with docking and undocking, navigating challenging waterways, and ensuring the safety of crew and cargo. Tugboat Captains must possess strong navigational skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and leadership abilities to manage their crew and respond to emergencies on the water.

What does a tugboat captain do?

A tugboat captain, also known as a tug captain or tugboat operator, is the pilot of a small vessel that helps larger crafts steer in tight spaces where their engines cannot safely reach full power. Tugboats can be used to guide a boat out of a port or harbor, maneuver a barge in a river, or help a ship in the open sea if their engines are down. As a tugboat captain, you hire and train the crew of your boat, oversee the boat’s operations, communicate with other vessels, and ensure that all functions are proceeding as they should. Qualifications to become a tugboat captain or tugboat operator include maritime training and licensure.

What skills and qualifications do I need to be a successful tugboat captain?

To thrive as a Tugboat Captain, you need advanced knowledge of navigation, seamanship, and maritime regulations, typically supported by a valid captain's license and extensive on-the-water experience. Familiarity with tugboat-specific equipment, radar systems, and electronic navigation tools is essential. Strong leadership, clear communication, and decision-making abilities are crucial for coordinating crew and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, efficient maneuvering of vessels in challenging environments and compliance with maritime safety standards.

What are some common challenges tugboat captains face when coordinating with large vessel crews and port authorities?

Tugboat Captains often encounter challenges when communicating and coordinating with the crews of large vessels and port authorities, especially in busy or congested harbors. Differences in communication protocols, language barriers, and rapidly changing weather or tidal conditions can make precise maneuvering difficult. Successful Tugboat Captains rely on clear, timely communication, strong teamwork, and adaptability to ensure safe and efficient operations. Building good relationships with harbor pilots and understanding local port procedures can greatly ease these challenges.

What is the difference between Tugboat Captain vs Marine Pilot?

AspectTugboat CaptainMarine Pilot
CertificationsSTCW certification, TWIC card, maritime licensesSTCW certification, maritime pilot license
Work EnvironmentOn tugboats, near ports, harbors, and inland waterwaysOn ships, navigating through ports and coastal waters
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authoritiesShipping lines, port authorities, maritime agencies
Primary RoleOperate tugboats to assist larger vesselsGuide ships safely through port and harbor areas

While both roles involve maritime navigation and require similar certifications, a Tugboat Captain primarily operates tugboats to assist larger ships, especially in port areas. A Marine Pilot, on the other hand, guides ships through challenging waters and port entrances. Both are essential for safe maritime operations but differ in their specific responsibilities and work environments.

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Tugboat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tugboat Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,157 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Tugboat Captain

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Next Generation Logistics LLC
Trucking • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Next Generation Logistics LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Tugboat Captain
YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS
Your New Company:
At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company providing our services on both land and sea.
We are seeking qualified applicants who are focused on the safe operation and navigation of a 1200 HP Lugger tugboat vessel. The vessel is working for our client in the locations of Cameron, La & Montegut, La. They are pushing one or two barges of rock to assist in coastal restoration on the Louisiana coast. Our basic rotation is 28/14. The tugboat captain will be responsible for managing the crew members and ensuring they are completing their required duties.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Safe and efficient operation of the vessel and support equipment.
  • Implementing the safety and environmental policy of the Company, motivating the crew in the execution of that policy, issuing orders in a clear and concise manner and reviewing safety and pollution prevention activities.
  • Reporting defects to the Company and other matters with implications for safe operations or pollution risk and which require the assistance of the Company.
  • Appraising and coordinating on-board training requirements with the Company.
  • Ensuring that all safety information is kept in date and available to all members of the crew at all times.
  • Review of on-board contingency plans and ship procedures and reporting any deficiencies to the company.
  • Reporting non-conformities, accidents involving personnel or plant and hazardous situations to the Company.
  • Requesting assistance from the Company as may be deemed necessary to ensure safe and pollution-free operation of the ship.
  • Provide employee scheduling information to the crew.
  • Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed
  • Complete required log entries and maintain radio watch as required
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
  • The minimum qualifications and experience required are:
  • Must have experience as a U.S.C.G. MOTV licensed Captain with towing and endorsements for Western Rivers, Oceans, and/or Near Coastal waters
  • Must have a valid TWIC (receipts NOT accepted)
  • Must have a valid DL
  • Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions
  • Must be able to carry, push/pull and/or lift materials weighing upwards of 75lbs
  • Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed
  • Complete required log entries and maintain radio watch as required
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand
  • Ability to meet USCG physical examination requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • The Tugboat Captain must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.
  • The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required.
  • Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, which may be of varying heights and access parameters.

What you will get in return:
  • Opportunity to grow with an industry leader
  • Great benefits plan (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • 401K with match

COMPETITIVE SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED CANDIDATES. EMPLOYMENT OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON A REVIEW OF REFERENCES, SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF A DRUG SCREEN, AND ANALYSIS OF FULL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS.
Next Generation Logistics is an equal-opportunity employer. Next Generation Logistics does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need

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