Tuggings

What do you have to do to become a tugboat pilot?

toot! toot! How much money do they earn? What kind of hours do they do?

Public Comments

1. First of all, it really helps if you know how to swim.
2. You need a Marine Engine Driver qualification. here's a nice link from an Australian website about a ferry captain who also worked as a tug driver http://www.careerone.com.au/jobs/job-search/job-market-insider/pid/1050- you can see you simply work your way up from deckhand. There is a lot of ongoing learning, particularly whe it comes to safety.
3. You have to complete a full apprenticeship, or a do a mariner's course to become qualified. It is like anything, get a foot in the door and work your way up and the money gets better as you do so. Bear in mind that the hours are not regular for tugboat drivers - often early mornings or late nights. http://www.workboatacademy.com/ This site has some more information.