I have supposedly been an apprentice mate at my current company for over 8 months. But they keep having me fill in as deckhand and engineer and I'm not actually getting any wheel time. This doesn't seem like it's going to stop and I'm not going to accept a mate spot unless I feel comfortable handling barges and what have you.

So, are there any East Coast companies that hire apprentice mates/steersman (with mate 200 GRT near coastal) where I can actually get training and advance my career? Preferably near VA, but I don't mind traveling a bit if I need to.

Thanks

We keep getting this alarms on the red lion panel stating the port z drive filters are clogged. I recently replaced both filters on that drive because we’ve been having this issue for about a year. When running the psi sits right at 200 instead of the 380 we used to get.

I'm in Jacksonville FL, and have my OS, TWIC, passport, and driver's license, and I've applied to at the very least 20+ companies so far in the past 6 or so months, some local mom & pop companies and a mix of the other big name companies just to get it out there. I'm not beneath working anywhere to start, but its annoying trying to follow-up seeing as nobody answers their phones or emails, and when I've asked to show up in person they say not to, and to just wait.

That being said, does anyone have any pointers on where to look or have any recruiters' numbers?

My only downsides are that I can't afford to buy any classes at the moment (or else I would), as money is tight right now and for the time being I'd rather not be away from my apartment for longer than 3 weeks (however I plan to do offshore down the line). My current income consists of doordash, donating plasma and a little bit of disability from the army to keep the lights on.

Any sort of help would be greatly appreciated. For a buisness that's supposedly "always hiring" and "desperately looking for people", I cant' seem to hack it

I just landed a job on a tug. Not sure exactly where we will run I just know MS River and the port is out of Baton Rouge, LA. I will be working 28/14 hitches, I have absolutely no idea what to pack. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, no nicotine needed, can yall help me out?

Have worked as deckhand (OS then AB) on a 100m day cruise/ passenger vessel and worked as master on small tourist boats like 20ft-35ft(airboats, sailboats, and Center consoles). It was pretty basic work on the ship, help tie up the boat/working with capstans, stand a helm/lookout watch, and lots of needle gunning and painting. Anything I should learn or touch up on before starting? Starting at Curtin seems like a good company so far. Will take any tips that will help me out on my first tugboat. Thanks

For companies that offer a grub fund, is it an every man for himself situation, or do y’all still have someone cook meals?

I currently work on a tugboat where we do a grocery haul that the company pays for. The deckhand on backwatch cooks dinner. As dumb as it sounds, this has been my biggest stress on the job.

I’ve never been a skilled cook and didn’t grow up with anyone who was either. I believe I’d do much better on a boat with an individual grub fund.

Are there any tug boat companies hiring in any of the Hawaiian islands? I’m mostly curious about the big island (Kona and Hilo) but want to learn about opportunities throughout the state for mate and/or deckhand work.

Currently live in Nevada, I’ve been applying to just about any company that I can find. Been noticing majority of them are on the east side or Louisiana area. Does anyone know of any companies closer to Nevada that would take a green deckhand? I have my MMC, passport, and Twic. Looking for a tug on the ocean.

In a few months I will more than likely have to move to be closer to my parents down in Paducah because I'm being priced out of living in Northern Michigan. I am used to working outside in the elements, I was a commercial/residential insulation Installer for 8 years so I'm used to having to work in heat and cold in confined spaces. Being 32 no children and be able to travel again for work has definitely sparked my interest. I'm currently a locksmith and even though I enjoy my job it's almost too clean I'm definitely used to using my body for work. I have done some research but is there any tow boat company in the Paducah area as a deckhand I should not apply for?

So I landed my first job on a tug as a deckhand which I’m super excited for but the one concern I have is that I won’t be able to adapt to the work schedule. I have a friend who said some days he gets as little as 4 hours of sleep and I’m worried that with a 6 hour window to sleep (12 hours of work daily split into 6 hours on/off/on/off) I won’t be able to wake myself up in time to relieve my crewmate and or have the energy I need to get the job done. I’ve worked away from home sharing a tight space with many people before so that’s not something I’m worried about, I guess I’m just wondering if you have any advice on how to manage the sleep situation.

I’m 25 I live in Houma, La just got my TWIC. I have no experience, however I was a mechanic for 6 years, mainly in gasoline engines. Tug is a big industry down here. I’m looking for a nice company with room for advancement and good benefits. I’ve applied at Kirby and Marquette so far, application for Kirby was reviewed but I wasn’t selected. I really wanted to apply at enterprise marine but no deckhand position posted on their career page. What other companies are good for entry level? Is it hard to find a job in the industry at the moment?

Hey guys, so in a couple months I am going to start being a deckhand on a tug. I have my mmc and a twic card, im going to be a daily commuter for now to see what its like. Any tips you guys can give to work on for these months before I actually start on the boat. Also I am based in NY so if you guys have any companies you guys recommend i would appreciate them thanks!

Hey guys, so in a couple months I am going to start being a deckhand on a tug. I have my mmc and a twic card, im going to be a daily commuter for now to see what its like. Any tips you guys can give to work on for these months before I actually start on the boat. Also I am based in NY so if you guys have any companies you guys recommend i would appreciate them thanks!

im going to start my physical/drug test with marquette. i got the job for 28-14 live on. What does day to day look like and how fast does hitches go for you guys.

Also what does pay increasement/advancements look like with the company

I will be starting on a tugboat on the east coast in a few weeks. Hitches will be 14/14. What your packing lists looking like? I currently work on a ferry so i have a general idea of what to bring. Just want some more ideas. Also what backpacks/computer bags are you all using?

In the process of applying for my TWIC & going to get the MMC next. Once I have those I’m going to start applying for entry lvl tug jobs (I have 10 years office experience, but no marine experience). I’m based out of Central Florida but willing to travel if it makes sense.

I hope it’s ok me asking, but what can I realistically expect to make as an entry lvl worker on a tug? Should I be applying as a deckhand or an OS?

I’m willing to get my STCW as I have the time & money now, but I’ve heard mixed things if that’ll be worth it just starting out.

Really appreciate any insight & advice, thank you!!

I’m trying to put my ducks in a row before getting hired.

I live in Nevada and received my MMC and Twic. I’ve been applying everywhere and I am having issues getting a shot. I’ve even applied for Kirby and other well known entry level companies. Is me living in Nevada going to be an issue finding a position? I’ve been told working in the maritime industry people live all over the US and get flown to where their boat is with no issue?

wether it be pay rate or what have you, but does opening up the pipelines have any effect whatsoever on us? i’m ignorant on the situation, but just tryna learn

I just landed a job with Kirby Inland and go out for training soon, any advice that anybody could share would be super helpful. I’m new to this industry being that I’m 18 years old, but I’m not new to hard labor. Any feedback would be appreciated 💪🏼👍🏼

Im 32 & have no marine experience (have just worked soul crushing office jobs til now) but I want to make the jump & start a career at sea. I know I’ll need: -TWIC card -STCW cert (pay maybe 1k + take week long class) -MMC (pay & wait) -pass medical & drug screen -I already have a passport

Is there anything I’m missing? Anything I can do to improve my odds of getting hired? Once I have the above taken care of, what kind of tug boat jobs can I apply for? Would it be reasonable to shoot for 3rd mate?

I appreciate any help here, new to this & my intention is after gaining many more years experience to apprentice to becoming a captain. Thank you!

I’ve been a commercial fisherman for the last 7 years and I’m now taking a job with a tug and barge company. What style of work wear and brands would yall recommend for working on tugs? I’m keen to western influenced work wear. I obviously need water proof boots, durable pants/jeans, and some work shirts. New to this since I’ve been living in sweats and rain gear for the last 7 years. Thanks.

Anyone in here work for vane in NY harbor? Looking for some info, considering making a jump from where I’m at now.

I already know it’s going to be a pay cut but it’s well worth it too me for well maintained a equipment and qualified office personnel

If I were to become a part of a union (SIU) and place that title on my resume, is there a higher chance I could land a job without sitting in the Union Hall waiting for however long? I wouldn't mind sitting and waiting, however, I'm at a point I'll need to pick up any job I can get while I wait, even if it means being in another state.

I've got a clean record and am a college student, however, I have no prior experience. Valid TWIC, MMC, STCW-95, all basic Seaman certificates (VPDSD, BST), and guaranteed can pass any of the tests when applying for the union.

Was told I ought to repost here since I am more than happy to work on a tug vessel in hopes to finally get my feet wet. Any advice helps, thank you.

I just got my MMC (os) and TWIC in hopes of getting a job with vane however they informed me that they’re not looking for deckhands at the moment. I got an offer with a company in Virginia (where I live) for 230 per 12 hour day. I know vane pays closer to 300 so I was wondering if anybody knows what companies on the east coast (ideally Virginia, Baltimore or New York) pay the most.