ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tugboat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Haugland Group LLC

Tugboat Captain/Master

Tomkins Cove, NY · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Haugland Marine Service, a subsidiary of Haugland Group, has an immediate opportunity for an experienced Captain/Master to join our team. The primary responsibility and authority for the execution of ...

TAS Concrete

Boat Captain

Houston, TX

Our Boat Captains play an important role in safely operating and navigating company vessels ... Operates the tugboat and barge while these vessels are in transit to and from marine ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsShip Captain JobsTugboat Captain Jobs

Tugboat Captain information

See salary details

$19K

$104.2K

$181.5K

How much do tugboat captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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.

More about Tugboat Captain jobs

What cities are hiring for Tugboat Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Tugboat Captain job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Tugboat Captain jobs?

The most popular types of Tugboat Captain jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Tugboat Captain jobs?

The top employers for Tugboat Captain jobs are:

What states have the most Tugboat Captain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tugboat Captain jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Tugboat Captain jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Tugboat Captain jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Tugboat Captain jobs?

For Tugboat Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,157 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Tugboat Relief Captain

Next Gen Logistics

New Orleans, LA • Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Tugboat Relief 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 tugboat vessel. The tugboat relief 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:


  • Competitive compensation
  • Opportunity to grow with an industry leader


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