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Vessel Assist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Edison Chouest Offshore

Mate (Vessel)

LA · On-site

Provides and/or assist with training * Performs any duty that may be required as part of a training ... Vessel Security Officer (As designated by the Master) * Vessel Security officer HSE ...

Moran Environmental Recovery

Vessel Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

In addition to emergency response work, the operator will assist with routine vessel line handling, environmental and industrial service projects. This position requires a strong commitment to safety ...

Ergon, Inc

Deckhand

Vicksburg, MS

Responsible for various other duties assigned by the captain which may vary from vessel to vessel * Assist other personnel when needed Deckhand Qualifications: * Must be eighteen years of age * High ...

Hines Furlong Line

Chief Engineer 3

Paducah, KY · Remote

Perform repairs to the vessel structure, heating/cooling system, electrical system, plumbing, and sewage disposal system. Assist the Port Engineer or contractors in performing these repairs, if ...

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Vessel Assist information

See salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do vessel assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel assist in the United States is $23.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Vessel Assist services?

Vessel Assist services provide boaters with on-water assistance such as towing, fuel delivery, jump starts, and help with minor mechanical issues. These services are typically available to recreational and commercial boaters who encounter trouble on the water, such as engine failure or running aground. Vessel Assist is often compared to roadside assistance for vehicles, offering peace of mind and support when unexpected problems arise during boating. Members usually receive priority service and may avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses for emergency aid.

What are some common challenges faced by Vessel Assist crew members during marine towing operations?

Vessel Assist crew members often encounter unpredictable weather conditions, challenging sea states, and mechanical issues while performing towing or rescue operations. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as tasks frequently require coordination with both the distressed vessel and other crew members. Additionally, long or irregular hours can be common, especially during peak boating seasons or emergencies. Staying calm under pressure and being adaptable are important traits for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vessel Assist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vessel Assist, you need a solid understanding of maritime operations, boating safety, and seamanship, often supported by relevant certifications such as a USCG captain's license. Familiarity with marine radios, navigation systems (like GPS and radar), and towing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient assistance of vessels in distress, protecting both crew and property.

What is the difference between Vessel Assist vs Marine Technician?

AspectVessel AssistMarine Technician
Required CredentialsMaritime certifications, boating licensesTechnical certifications, HVAC, electrical, or mechanical licenses
Work EnvironmentMarinas, waterways, on boatsWorkshops, ships, industrial settings
Employer & IndustryMarina services, boat clubs, maritime companiesShip maintenance, repair shops, industrial firms

Vessel Assist primarily involves providing on-water assistance, towing, and rescue services for boats and yachts, requiring maritime certifications. Marine Technicians focus on repairing and maintaining marine engines and systems, often working in workshops or industrial settings. While both roles serve the maritime industry, Vessel Assist emphasizes on-water support, whereas Marine Technicians specialize in technical repairs.

What cities are hiring for Vessel Assist jobs?

Cities with the most Vessel Assist job openings:

What states have the most Vessel Assist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vessel Assist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Vessel Assist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Vessel Assist jobs are:

Vessel Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Assist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,619 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Mate (Vessel)

Edison Chouest Offshore

LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Edison Chouest Offshore rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Supervise and coordinate the activities of the crew for the efficient operation of the vessel with due regard to giving adequate rest periods, by careful planning and personal attention. Maintain the ship in a clean and efficient condition
  • Performs assigned task including bridge watch
  • Report any shortcomings, inaccuracies or conflicts in any portion of the MS to Master

Marine Functions
  • Be acquainted with handling characteristics of the vessel, cargo, capacity, equipment, speed, fuel consumption, ballast arrangement, safety apparatus, personnel
  • Remain fully informed and adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and directives affecting the operation of the vessel
  • Ensures paperwork requirements are met
  • Identify and respond to potentially hazardous conditions
  • Understands procedures and be able to receive and pump all fluids and cargo
  • Adhere to and comply with company policies, U.S. Coast Guard, and environmental regulations
  • Works a rotation involving 12 hours in a 24 hour period with occasional hours not to exceed 14 consecutive hours
  • Inspects, maintains, and test safety and lifesaving equipment and systems
  • Inspects and test the internal communications system and the general alarm systems
  • Stands watch as a lookout for any safety concern of the vessel or crew. The lookout maintains a continuous watch of the surrounding area to report any kind of hazards that can be an obstacle in the navigation and cause harm to the ship or crew. The Lookout must give uninterrupted attention at all times to the ship's navigation in order to inform the OICNW of any hazards. The Lookout must be competent in using the vessel's General Alarm should the OICNW directs activating the General Alarm.
  • Overhauls lifeboats and lifeboat gear and lowers or raises lifeboats with winch or falls
  • May be concerned with only one phase of duties, as maintenance of ship's gear and decks or watch duties
  • Participates in safety and rescue drills for emergency situations
  • Provides and/or assist with training
  • Performs any duty that may be required as part of a training
  • Holds a valid Merchant Mariner Credential

Emergency Response Functions
Safety Sensitive Duties
Include but are not limited to; directing and mustering passengers in emergencies, passing out lifejackets, controlling and operating lifesaving equipment, controlling and operating firefighting equipment
Safety Sensitive Position
  • Is any position aboard a vessel, that requires the person filling that position to perform one or more safety-sensitive duties on either a routine or emergency-only basis. Any person filling a safety-sensitive position is subject to U.S Coast Guard drug and alcohol testing. All crew members are considered to be filling safety-sensitive positions as well.
  • Ensures first aid is provided to victims
  • Launches lifeboat/life rafts
  • Assumes command of the vessel if the Master is incapacitated
  • Firefighting and damage control
  • Responsible for securing water-tight or gas-tight integrity of the vessel
  • Assist on deck for man overboard crisis

Security Functions
  • Vessel Security Officer (As designated by the Master)
  • Vessel Security officer

HSE Responsibilities
  • Document and notify supervisor immediately of any accidents/ illnesses / vessel incidents/ near misses/ etc.
  • Participate and supervise the company's safety programs (i.e. Safety Observations, Toolbox Talks, Permit to Work, Near Miss, Risk Assessments, etc.)
  • Utilize "Stop Work Authority" if any personal safety, environmental risk, property damage or company reputation are at risk
  • Responsible for ensuring the maintenance and use of all necessary PPE
  • Performs all duties while wearing protective equipment to include foul weather gear, PFD, gloves, boots, eye protection, hearing protection, etc.
  • Responsible for ensuring and supervising the elimination of at-risk behaviors by reducing unsafe conditions and unsafe acts on and around the worksite

Supervisory Functions
  • Remain alert at all times for potential hazards
  • Responsible for imparting knowledge about the specific features, characteristics, and procedures of the vessel operations to crew members and the orientation of all new personnel aboard the vessel
  • Provide on-the-job training
  • Responsible for ongoing safety programs aboard the vessel, emergency drills and emphasizing the use of PPE
  • Ensures that he/she is capable of navigating through and communicating the requirements and contents of the MS to company representatives, regulatory personnel and vessel crew-members
  • Perform any other additional duties that may be required or assigned
  • Assign work to himself/herself and deckhands, taking into account the weather, schedule, crew size, experience, and supplies
  • Instruct and assist in maintenance and repair
  • Train and assign personnel to sea watches and in-port security watches
  • Supports ongoing safety program by training deck personnel in PPE, common sense and alertness while on assignments
  • Recommends personnel for promotion and increase in pay
  • Ensures morale and discipline
  • Keeps an inventory of amounts and expirations on lifesaving, firefighting and emergency equipment
  • Responsible for the safe and proper stowage and securing of the deck cargo and ensuring all deck cargo brought aboard agrees with the provided manifest

Work Environment
  • Work in locations not accessible to definitive medical care

Physical Demands
  • Required to be able to read and write in English, calculate, have estimation skills, possess good verbal presentation, and be able to communicate effectively
  • Required to be able to tolerate repetitive and prolonged postures involving standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, stretching, reaching and reaching to full range from above head to the floor
  • Required to be able to utilize good dexterity and frequently use one or two hands throughout the work period
  • Required good balance/coordination when walking over uneven and/or slippery surfaces
  • Required to have sufficient cardio-respiratory fitness to perform medium-heavy physical labor involving the ability to sit and/or stand for extended time frames, walk for prolonged periods, handle various tools, climb ladders, and climb stairwells
  • Subject to adverse weather conditions including rough seas, cold, wet, elevated temperatures, and humid conditions
  • Required to be able to lift at least 50 pounds
  • Required to demonstrate physical demand requirements during initial pre-employment physical and any future physicals while employed
  • Able to repeatedly walk the length of the vessel

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Edison Chouest Offshore Family of Companies is committed to ensuring all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by law with regard to any employment practices. We are dedicated to ensuring all employees are treated with the utmost level of respect as we believe this is the strongest foundation to build upon to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable handling their assignments, sharing their ideas, and pointing out opportunities for improvement.

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