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Tugboats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Boat Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

Schneider

Boat Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

Orion Marine Group

Boat Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

Blakeley BoatWorks

Marine Diesel Mechanic

Mobile, AL · On-site

The Diesel Mechanic will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of diesel engines and related systems on our fleet of tugboats. This role requires a thorough understanding of ...

Marquette Transportation Company

$100 - $125/hr

Alongside our fleet of tugboats, we offer comprehensive, one-stop solutions specializing in project cargo and dredge support work. We utilize strict safety protocols, detailed planning, and a robust ...

New

Southland Holdings

Diesel Mechanic

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Experience with all listed equipment is not required but preferred. * Assist with marine engine and drive-train work on small boats (e.g., skiffs, tugboats) and maintain related systems; work on ...

Garney Construction

Tug Boat Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

Operate and maneuver truckable tugboats to maneuver construction barges * Maintain constant communication with barge crew members * Perform regular checks and maintenance on tugboat systems ...

HII

$82K - $103K/yr

A minimum of three years experience on tugboats is required prior to examination by U.S. Coast Guard. Must have a specialized knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather and shipping ...

New

HII

$82K - $103K/yr

A minimum of three years experience on tugboats is required prior to examination by U.S. Coast Guard. Must have a specialized knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather and shipping ...

New

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Tugboats information

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$10

$19

$26

How much do tugboats jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tugboats in the United States is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tugboat?

Tugboats are powerful, small vessels designed to maneuver larger ships by pushing or towing them in harbors, along rivers, or through narrow channels. They are essential for docking, undocking, and assisting ships that cannot move themselves in confined spaces. Tugboats are equipped with strong engines and specialized equipment to provide the necessary force and control. Their work ensures the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic in busy ports.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a tugboat crew member?

Crew members on tugboats handle a variety of daily tasks including assisting with docking and undocking larger vessels, maintaining and operating towing equipment, conducting safety inspections, and performing routine maintenance on the boat. They also monitor communication channels for instructions from harbor authorities and ensure safe navigation. Collaboration with pilots, port staff, and other vessel crews is common to coordinate movements efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tugboat operator?

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety regulations, often supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential and relevant endorsements. Proficiency with marine communication systems, navigation equipment, and modern propulsion controls is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and decision-making skills distinguish top operators in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels in challenging environments and preventing accidents in busy ports or waterways.

What is the difference between Tugboats vs Marine Engineers?

AspectTugboatsMarine Engineers
CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime licensesSTCW certification, engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentOn water, near ports and shipsOn ships, in engine rooms or shipyards
Industry UsageMaritime transportation, port operationsShip operation, maintenance, and repair
Primary RoleAssist ships in docking, towingMaintain and operate ship engines

While tugboats focus on maneuvering ships and assisting with docking, marine engineers are responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and systems. Both roles require maritime certifications and work in the maritime industry, but tugboats are more involved in on-water operations, whereas marine engineers work primarily onboard ships or in shipyards.

How to get hired on a tugboat?

To get hired on a tugboat, candidates typically need a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a towing endorsement, relevant maritime experience, and completion of safety training such as STCW certifications. Prior experience in maritime operations and physical fitness are also important, and many employers require a background check and drug testing before hiring.
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Tugboats jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tugboats job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,659 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Boat Captain

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 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.

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