Tugboat Captain

Position Summary: 

The Tugboat Captain is responsible for the safe navigation, operation, and overall management of tugboat operations in support of harbor and marine transportation activities. This leadership role requires extensive knowledge of vessel handling, towing operations, and regulatory compliance. The Tugboat Captain ensures the safety of crew, vessel, and cargo while maintaining efficient operations in a dynamic and high-traffic maritime environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Safely operate and navigate tugboats within assigned waterways, including busy harbor and port environments.


• Lead and supervise onboard crew, ensuring effective communication, training, and adherence to safety standards.


• Ensure compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, company policies, and the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS).


• Oversee vessel operations, including towing, docking, undocking, and barge handling activities.


• Maintain vessel readiness through routine inspections, maintenance oversight, and equipment checks.


• Coordinate with port authorities, dispatchers, pilots, and other marine personnel to ensure efficient operations.


• Respond to emergency situations and ensure crew preparedness through drills and effective leadership.


• Maintain accurate vessel logs, operational reports, and regulatory documentation.


• Monitor weather, tide, and traffic conditions to support safe navigation and decision-making.


• Promote a strong safety culture and enforce all safety protocols and procedures onboard.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Master of Towing endorsement (Minimum 200 Ton).


• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).


• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate.


• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating tugboats in a harbor or commercial marine environment.


• Strong knowledge of vessel navigation, towing operations, and maritime regulations.


• Demonstrated leadership and crew management experience.


• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-traffic maritime environment.


• Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.


• Availability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Experience:

• Extensive experience operating in New York Harbor or other high-traffic ports.


• Experience with ship assist operations and handling large vessels.


• Proficiency in barge handling, docking, and undocking procedures.


• Familiarity with local navigational hazards, tide patterns, and environmental conditions.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, pulling, and securing heavy lines and equipment.


• Ability to maintain balance and work safely on moving vessels and in varying sea conditions.


• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, and bending throughout shifts.


• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.


• Required use of PPE (hard hat, safety vest, life vest, steel-toe boots) in operational areas.

Work Environment:

• Marine-based environment aboard vessels with exposure to weather, water, noise, and heavy equipment.


• Safety-sensitive, team-oriented setting requiring constant communication and situational awareness.


• Work schedules include rotating shifts and extended hours based on operational needs.