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Tugboat Towing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dann Marine Towing

Licensed Engineer

Job Type Full-time Description The Tugboat Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, towing, and auxiliary systems aboard the ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY

$708/day

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first ...

McAllister Towing

Staff Accountant

Manhattan, NY

$80K - $95K/yr

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first ...

Dann Marine Towing

Mate

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. Coast Guard Mate Pilot of Towing license endorsement or better * 3-5 years' experience operating a tugboat * Must possess a valid radar observer license. * Valid MMC, Coast Guard Medical ...

Stryker Corporation

Tugboat Captain

New Bedford, MA · On-site

We specialize in coastal and offshore marine towing, ship assist, marine dredging, marine construction assist and salvage operations. 41 North Offshore owns and operates towing vessels ranging from ...

McAllister Towing

Staff Accountant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first ...

Dann Marine Towing

AB Tankerman

$1.3K - $1.8K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Type Full-time Description Dann Marine Towing, LC. Is, a sixth-generation family owned and operated tugboat company, managing a fleet of 24 ocean going tugboats and inland push boats. Our vessels ...

Dann Marine Towing

Mate

Chesapeake City, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

S. Coast Guard Mate Pilot of Towing license endorsement or better * 3-5 years' experience operating a tugboat * Must possess a valid radar observer license. * Valid MMC, Coast Guard Medical ...

Dann Marine Towing

Cement Barge Engineer (CT1801/1802)

$81K - $110K/yr

Towing & Marine Operations • Sail aboard the tugboat and operate barge machinery during: o Anchoring o Docking o Mooring operations o Pre arrival and departure preparations • Maintain readiness ...

Dann Marine Towing

AB Tankerman

$1.3K - $1.8K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Type Full-time Description Dann Marine Towing, LC. Is, a sixth-generation family owned and operated tugboat company, managing a fleet of 24 ocean going tugboats and inland push boats. Our vessels ...

Dann Marine Towing

AB Tankerman

Chesapeake City, MD · On-site

$1.2K - $1.7K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Description: Dann Marine Towing, LC. Is, a sixth-generation family owned and operated tugboat company, managing a fleet of 24 ocean going tugboats and inland push boats. Our vessels range in ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Deckhand

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from ...

Moran Towing Corporation

AB - ATB/Offshore

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$44.85 - $46.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from ...

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Tugboat Towing information

What is a tugboat towing operator?

Tugboat towing jobs involve operating powerful boats designed to maneuver other vessels by pushing or pulling them, typically in harbors, along rivers, or at sea. Tugboat crews assist with docking and undocking ships, towing barges, and helping vessels navigate through challenging or congested waterways. The work requires strong teamwork, knowledge of maritime safety, and the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions. Tugboat operators play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of commercial ships and cargo.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a tugboat towing operator?

To thrive as a Tugboat Towing Operator, you need a solid grasp of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, typically supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and relevant endorsements. Familiarity with navigational systems like GPS, radar, radio communication tools, and engine controls is essential. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with crews and responding to changing conditions. These skills ensure safe and efficient towing operations, protect marine environments, and minimize risks during challenging maneuvers.

What are common challenges faced by tugboat crew members during towing operations?

Tugboat crew members often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, strong currents, and limited visibility, which can make maneuvers more difficult and require quick decision-making. Communication and teamwork are essential, as the crew must coordinate closely with each other and with the vessels being assisted to ensure safety and efficiency. Additionally, working long or irregular hours, including nights or weekends, can be physically demanding, but most crews develop strong camaraderie and resilience over time.

What is the difference between Tugboat Towing vs Marine Pilot?

AspectTugboat TowingMarine Pilot
Required CredentialsMaritime licenses, towing certificationsMarine pilot license, extensive maritime experience
Work EnvironmentOn tugboats, near ports or offshoreOn ships, navigating through ports and waterways
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, port authoritiesShipping lines, port authorities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for maritime navigation rolesOften compared for port entry and navigation roles

While both Tugboat Towing and Marine Pilots work in maritime environments, Tugboat Towing involves operating tugboats to assist ships with maneuvering, especially in ports or offshore. Marine Pilots, on the other hand, are licensed navigators who guide ships through challenging waters. Both roles require maritime licenses and industry experience, but their responsibilities and work settings differ significantly.

More about Tugboat Towing jobs

What cities are hiring for Tugboat Towing jobs?

Cities with the most Tugboat Towing job openings:

What states have the most Tugboat Towing jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Tugboat Towing jobs are:

Tugboat Towing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tugboat Towing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Licensed Engineer

Dann Marine Towing

Chesapeake City, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Tugboat Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, towing, and auxiliary systems aboard the vessel. This role ensures continuous propulsion and power generation capability while maintaining compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Vessel Machinery Operation & Maintenance

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain main propulsion engines (EMD, Caterpillar, Cummins, Wabtec, Mitsubishi, Alco) and generators (Detroit Diesel, John Deere, Cummins, Caterpillar).
  • Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting of:
    • Diesel engines
    • Electrical systems
    • Hydraulic systems
    • Pneumatic systems
    • Engine control systems
    • Reduction gears
    • Tow machines
    • Pumps, compressors, and auxiliary machinery
  • Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical faults to minimize downtime and ensure safe vessel operations.

Operational Support

  • Maintain continuous oversight of propulsion and power systems during towing, docking, maneuvering, and standby operations.
  • Coordinate with the captain and shoreside regarding machinery status, operational limitations, and emergent issues.
  • Ensure fuel, lube oil, coolant, and consumable inventories are maintained at required levels.
  • Assist Deck Department as required with making/breaking tow and mooring evolutions.

Recordkeeping & Compliance

  • Maintain accurate engineering logs, maintenance records, and equipment status reports.
  • Complete required company engineering documentation, including discrepancy reports, maintenance logs, and regulatory checklists.
  • Ensure compliance with USCG, ABS, and company safety and environmental policies.

Safety & Emergency Response

  • Participate in all drills and emergency response procedures, including fire, flooding, propulsion loss, and towing gear failures.
  • Maintain all engine room safety equipment, alarms, and monitoring systems.
  • Uphold a clean, safe, and well-organized engine room environment.

Shipyard & Repair Periods

  • Assist with executing, and overseeing shipyard repairs, drydockings, and major overhauls under the supervision of a project manager.
  • Work with contractors, vendors, and port engineers to ensure repairs meet specifications and regulatory standards.
Requirements:

Qualifications

Required

  • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with appropriate endorsements (DDE, QMED, or higher)
  • Strong background in diesel mechanics, towing, electrical troubleshooting, hydraulics, pneumatics, and marine systems.
  • Experience working with medium- and high-speed diesel engines commonly used in tugboats.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and equipment diagrams.
  • Proficiency with tools, diagnostic equipment, and safe engineering practices.
  • Ability to work independently in a dynamic, safety-critical environment.

Preferred

  • Prior experience as a tugboat engineer or similar marine engineering role.
  • Welding and fabrication skills.
  • Familiarity with electronic engine controls and modern monitoring systems.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

  • Ability to work in confined spaces, engine rooms, and elevated areas.
  • Ability to lift tools, parts, and equipment as required for repairs.
  • Ability to climb ladders, access machinery spaces, and work in varying temperatures and sea states.

Work Schedule

  • Typical schedule is 30/15.

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