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Tugboat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

The Administrative Captain performs advanced responsible correctional duties in supervising correctional personnel in charge of inmates/detainees. Under general supervision, is responsible for ...

ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAIN

Hudson, CO · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Administrative Captain performs advanced responsible correctional duties in supervising correctional personnel in charge of inmates/detainees. Under general supervision, is responsible for ...

Role Description The Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tug and barge vessels on assigned routes in Puget Sound, Alaska, and other Pacific Northwest waters. Day-to-day ...

As a Quick Upgrade Captain at JSX, you'll be at the controls of one of the most innovative aviation experiences in the industry. Your mission is to operate our aircraft safely, efficiently, and in ...

As a Quick Upgrade Captain at JSX, you'll be at the controls of one of the most innovative aviation experiences in the industry. Your mission is to operate our aircraft safely, efficiently, and in ...

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

Oshkosh Corporation is now seeking qualified candidates for a Captain operating our Challenger 605/650 aircraft. The two aircraft are based in Oshkosh Wisconsin (KOSH) and operate under FAR Part 91.

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

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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 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.

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?

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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?

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What are popular job titles related to Tugboat Captain jobs?

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

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.

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Orion is seeking an experienced Boat Captain to support our field construction operations on marine and heavy civil projects. Our Boat Captains play an important role in safely operating and navigating company vessels, transporting crews and equipment, supporting marine construction activities, and coordinating with project teams in active waterfront environments. This position works closely with field leadership and skilled craft professionals on projects involving ports, terminals, docks, wharves, bridges, pile driving, marine foundations, and other complex marine infrastructure.

At Orion, safety comes first, teamwork matters, and skilled tradespeople are an essential part of our success. We offer the opportunity to build a long-term career while working on challenging projects that make a lasting impact.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is accountable for supporting field operations at marine project locations for Orion Marine Construction -- Atlantic region. Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or returning from a marine project site. Typically, they will work closely with the project Superintendents, General Foreman, Barge Foreman, Crane Operators, Welders, Laborers, Helpers and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons.
The incumbent must support the guiding beliefs and core values of Orion, which are centered on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Teamwork most importantly, with each built upon the all-important foundation of Integrity.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Works as assigned by the General Foreman to ensure the successful completion of on-goingor new marine construction projects.
  • Operates the tugboat and barge while these vessels are in transit to and from marine projectlocations and doing so in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Demonstrates ability to maneuver, position, turn, slow, stop vessels as required by the fieldoperation.
  • Utilizes various hand signals for communicating with flagman on barge deck.
  • Uses tie-up ropes and wires to secure the tugboat to barges for towing purposes.
  • Practices the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways.
  • Uses radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard, ships,tugboats, etc.
  • Performs daily safety inspections of the tugboat and recognizes possible problem areas suchas hull leaks, packing-gland leaking, tie-up cables and ropes, steering cables, wires, etc.
  • Performs minor maintenance as may be required and understands basic functions of the boatengine, transmission, generator, water pump, cooling system, etc.
  • Works closely with the General Foreman, Barge Foreman, Crane Operators, Welders,Helpers, and other skilled crafts persons to complete current projects in a safe and efficientmanner.
  • Participates in Health, Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to complianceof State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.
EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
  • Responsible and accountable for incumbent's own personal safety.
  • Responsible and accountable for the safety of all co-workers and any others incumbent comesin contact with.
  • Authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafecondition or situation is anticipated or is observed.
  • Complies with all applicable laws, regulations and Company policies and procedures, and issubject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
  • Reports any and all violations of applicable laws, regulations or Company policies andprocedures promptly, and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) forfailure to do so.
  • Performs other related administrative and technical duties as may be assigned or requestedby immediate supervision (such as certification training, safety training, procedure review,etc.).
  • All employees, current and former, must maintain confidentiality by not disclosing to othersany confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to the Company.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

At least three (3) years of experience as a Boat Captain is required, along with a Master Boat Captain license and a Master of Towing endorsement for tugboat operations. The selected candidate must:

  • Know the "Rules of the Road" for operating vessels on inland waterways.
  • Be proficient in the use of radio equipment on the tugboat to communicate with the U.S. CoastGuard, ships, tugboats, etc.
  • Be knowledgeable in the use of tie-up ropes and wires to secure the tugboat and recognizingpossible problem areas.
  • Be adept in the proper use, donning and doffing of negative pressure respirators, positivepressure and/or SCBA respiratory equipment.

The Company expects and requires incumbent and each of its other employees to observe and fulfill the above and all other safety responsibilities and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The incumbent 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. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD's) or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

The incumbent must possess the ability to remain calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident and as directed by the Safety Representative or other management personnel. Must be capable of evacuating the work area in a timely manner should an emergency situation arise.

In addition, Boat Captains must also be capable of:

  • Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site toanother, and normally involves physically getting onto and off of work barges, boats,vessels, or dock facilities of varying heights and access parameters.
  • Visually seeing navigable waterways well (either naturally or with corrective lenses).
  • Standing, stooping kneeling, squatting, climbing, or sitting for long periods of time.
  • Performing repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back inperformance of work.
  • Climbing vertical ladders to heights of 40'-50'.
  • Working in confined spaces.
  • Working at elevated heights.
  • Lifting 50 lb. objects as required.
  • Carrying 50 lb. objects as required.
  • Adapting to extreme temperature changes.
  • Adapting to outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure.