Description
Command tugboats for ship-assist, escort, and barge towing in harbors and nearshore waters. Lead crew, ensure safe navigation and towing operations, regulatory compliance, and vessel readiness; USCG license required.
- • Set tug and tow courses and speeds using knowledge of winds, tides, currents, traffic, and hazards.
- • Plan and execute towing, pushing, and escort maneuvers safely.
- • Perform ship-assist during docking and undocking, coordinating with pilots and terminals.
- • Determine and direct movements using charts, AIS, radar, GPS, and weather reports.
- • Steer and operate the tug using engines, thrusters, winches, and navigational aids.
- • Operate VHF radio to communicate with pilots, VTS, dispatch, bridges, and other vessels.
- • Maneuver in confined waters, locks, and narrow berths to dock and undock the tug and tow.
- • Stand wheelhouse watches and maintain lookout while underway or on station.
- • Inspect the tug, towing gear, and safety equipment for seaworthiness and regulatory compliance (USCG/Subchapter M).
- • Monitor engine, hydraulic, and air system gauges and alarms.
- • Enforce safe work practices and stop unsafe operations.
- • Assist in emergencies and maritime rescue or spill response as directed.
- • Exchange passing and maneuvering signals by whistle, lights, shapes, flags, or radio.
- • Monitor and verify water depths and under-keel clearance using sounders and charts.
- • Oversee maintenance and readiness of engines, winches, lines, firefighting, and lifesaving gear.
- • Direct deckhands to rig and tend towlines, wires, bridles, and fenders.
- • Coordinate with ship masters and pilots on harbor rules, traffic, and tug capabilities.
- • Keep logs of movements, tows, crew hours, drills, fuel, weather, and incidents.
- • Supervise loading, securing, and stability of towed barges per specifications.
- • Create and review tow plans and risk assessments for each job.
- • Train crew and maintain proficiency using simulators or onboard instruction.
- • Lead and coordinate crew in steering, engine operations, line handling, and repairs.
- • Arrange fueling, provisions, crew changes, and routine repairs with shoreside support.
- • Oversee cleanliness and upkeep of decks, wheelhouse, and superstructure.
- • Manage onboard inventories and requisition supplies and parts.
- • Tow, push, and position barges precisely alongside ships, docks, or in fleets.
- • Patrol harbor areas when assigned and report hazards, spills, or security concerns.
- • Assign watches, duties, and berths to crew members.
- • Participate in interviewing, evaluating, and mentoring crew when required.
- • Conduct and document safety drills, including man overboard, fire, towing emergency, and abandon ship.
- • Ensure compliance with company policies, port regulations, and environmental rules.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
