Tuggings

How can I get a job on a tugboat?

How could I go about getting a job on a tugboat, or something along that line? What qualifications do i need, and what is recommended? How do I apply? Any info is greatly appreciated!

Public Comments

1. Do you live on a river? Big difference between river and ocean going tugs. Find the nearest harbor tug boat line and ask.
2. Try these links to tug companies. They will list different requirements and a bit of what to do to get hired on. www.brownwatermarine.com www.kirbycorp.com www.signetmaritime.com A vast majority of tugs are inland tugs and operate on rivers and nearcoastal protected waterways. Most will work a schedule where you are gone 2 weeks and home 2 weeks or something to that effect.
3. You'll need to get some STCW requirements done, and get a towing endorsement. IOMM&P or MEBA would be some good unions to talk to about it if you're looking to go that root.
4. Try contacting the Towboat Opeators directly. For inland waters and working as a deck hand, all you will need is a "Z" card.. but if you are going off shoure or outside the COLREGS line.. you will needa PASSPORT these days.. plus the latest bright idea that Homeland security comes up with for yet ANOTHER kind of ID