/r/tuglife

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit for all things commercial maritime.

A subreddit for tugboats specifically but also can help with commercial mariners or anyone interested in the industry. Please post your tugboat related photos.

Like most subreddits, you can denote original material with an [oc].

For information regarding how to get into the industry, check out this thread.

If you find this type of material interesting, you may want to check out these subreddits -

Tuglife Photo Slideshow

/r/tuglife

9,896 Subscribers

5

Questions before I go work on a tug

What type of ratchets do they use on the tug boat ? And any equipment I should know how to use before working out there I don’t have a dad just live w my mother he left a while ago and I’ve been practicing w the line/rope they use on there and it’s pretty simple just curious Thanks.

2 Comments
2024/11/01
00:26 UTC

10

Happy Halloween

0 Comments
2024/10/31
23:58 UTC

11

Halloween morning pic

I was pushing a small Derrick barge up san joaquin river toward stockton this morning saw this popping out of the fog thought it was kinda cool for a Halloween morning

1 Comment
2024/10/31
22:20 UTC

2

Internet access?

I haven't been a sailor since 2018, but I'm heading back soon once my docs are valid again. I only sailed on one vessel that had satellite Internet- it was abysmally slow and the officers would limit what decks had access to it in order to slow down data usage

Since that time, I know things like Starlink and other satellite providers are becoming more common. I've even heard the Crowley Ocean tugs have Internet now, which surprises me, given how stingy that company was when I worked for them

So no internet isn't a deal breaker, but Internet could be a deal maker in job hunts. What can I realistically expect with tug jobs, moving forward?

5 Comments
2024/10/31
14:28 UTC

12

Building tow

Hey all, I am brand new to the tug life. Currently on my first hitch. I'm on here now because my partner isn't very helpful. He shows me what to do with little to no explanation and my questions are met with exasperation. My question is very simple and I feel stupid even asking, but where do I horn the eye based on direction? Maybe give me a simple breakdown for shove in and back in. I've seen it done different ways and I don't have issue with the actual wiring part, but every single time I copy what I've seen I'm told to go to the other end of the cavel. Same when I'm throwing lines. Obviously I'm missing something, but I'm not finding much help on board.

9 Comments
2024/10/30
14:21 UTC

6

Pay question

Hey all,

Have been looking at a deckhand job with Moran in Staten Island.

They are advertising the pay as $40/hr.

My question is that given $40/hr is roughly 80k a year, how much would I actually be making working two weeks on two weeks off? (or whatever schedule they implement)

I am new to this side of the industry and am trying to get an idea of what compensation is actually like.

80k would be amazing but seems way high for a deckhand (to me but also what do I know).

Also, what could one realistically expect to be making weekly/annually? (I'm assuming I'm not compensated once I'm off the boat.)

Thanks for any help

11 Comments
2024/10/30
01:22 UTC

2

Trying to pack

I head up north to the Ohio soon and I'm not sure what the weather will be like during my hitch cause I've always been a lower MS deck hand and live in the south so can anyone advise on weather and what to pack for a November hitch? Down here it doesn't get cold until January really.

1 Comment
2024/10/30
00:49 UTC

52

I have a general idea, but do these guys just follow a ship up the river and only help guide it in where it docks? This is Savannah.

Also anyone know what make or model this tug is so I can look up some info on them? Thanks

31 Comments
2024/10/29
16:32 UTC

1

Kirby

Man how longs the drug test take to come back for Kirby I ain’t worried or nothing but damn feels like it’s been a while I did my physical and everything last Thursday

3 Comments
2024/10/29
14:10 UTC

1

Apply without MMC?

I have my TWIC and Med Certificate, waiting on my MMC (just cleared safety, and awaiting professional eval, should be about another few weeks or so).

Would it be smart to still apply to places that require it, even though I don't have it yet? I'm thinking by the time I get through hiring process I'll have it in my possession. Or should I just wait?

4 Comments
2024/10/29
06:00 UTC

3

Looking for a boat job

I'm looking for a boat job that doesn't require for a driver's license

1 Comment
2024/10/28
02:10 UTC

42

Mississippi River

5 Comments
2024/10/27
17:34 UTC

3

Offshore entry level gigs

Mmc finally came in the mail and I have been looking for jobs. Only issue is I’ve only been finding inland positions. What would the companies be for offshore entry level deckhand positions?

4 Comments
2024/10/25
05:19 UTC

7

WA state tug life

Hi, I live in Washington state, and I’m looking to work on tugs here. I’m curious if anyone in this groups works out here? If so I’d love to touch base and chat about your experience. Also I’m considering going to the Seattle maritime academy, I know it’s probably better to go to a full academy but I have a family here and am not willing to relocate for years while I spend money to go to school. Thanks in advance for any advice.

7 Comments
2024/10/24
23:48 UTC

8

Getting started with NYC Tugs. What’s your advice?

I’m from WA state!

13 Comments
2024/10/23
23:06 UTC

4

The cold

Hey yall I’m from the swamps of Houston and just got a job up in NY/MA, what type of cold should I be anticipating? 30-50s are no sweat off my balls, but can I expect 0-20 as the winter months roll in? Might need to grab a few pairs of long John’s and some insulated jackets if so

13 Comments
2024/10/23
04:52 UTC

5

Which union should one be joining?

Which unions should I be looking to join to work on tugs? I took some time off to tend to family matters and left my job as an OS at Centerline. They didn’t seem like the best company by any means but I was making pretty good I thought, $335/day, great insurance and benefits, and paid travel. I contacted people in the office I knew there and they said they didn’t have any OS openings. I’m currently in the hiring process with vane as an OS but they’re only offering $265/ day, not great benefits, and no paid travel. Vane was the only place I applied to. All the people at CL told me to leave while I was young and still in school and get on with the Kirby’s, Crowleys, reinauers, etc.

I’m hoping a union will be able to get me on with a good paying company but which ones should I be contacting for the process to join?

I’m not opposed to non union but union seems to be the way to go to guarantee skilled and cost of living wage increases.

Any advice on good union and non union companies as well which unions to look into would also greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

20 Comments
2024/10/22
20:52 UTC

7

Any jobs in Louisiana

I’m absolutely sick of Texas and I just got moved from a 20/10 to a 14/7 schedule . extra hours of a drive that the company usually makes me do on my own. 10 hour drive after working an entire watch just ain’t worth it on a 14/7 schedule imo. What companies are likely to work you in Louisiana instead of screwing your crew change all the time? It’s always “drive 9 hours after a 12 hour watch but also go out of your way to drop a captain off on a plane , someone’s gotta bring the truck back”. Screw the long drive is the point

17 Comments
2024/10/22
13:22 UTC

3

Thoughts on American Cruise Lines?

16 Comments
2024/10/22
08:48 UTC

5

Moving from pleasure boats to Tugs? And licensing questions

I’ve been working on yachts for about seven years. Worked my way up to driving sailing boats in the 50-70ft range, cruising New England and the Caribbean. I recently upgraded to my 200T masters license. I have BST as well, I’m located in New England. I would like to set myself up to potentially transition to the commercial side of the industry, and I’m curious about tugs. From what I’ve read, I am basically starting from entry level regarding sea time and licensing, is that right? (I’m fine with that, just clarifying) Is it possible to get some part time/temporary gigs on tugs in this area to see if It’s right for me? What kind of courses and endorsements should I be seeking on my MMC?

Btw I’m a 32 year old woman, are there many women in the industry?

Thanks

16 Comments
2024/10/22
00:40 UTC

11

What I need to know before going to work on a tug boat

Im currently working as a server at this restaurant I’ve done some work on landscaping im 18 years old and im about to graduate and im just curious if theres anything I need to know how to do or use any equipment so i can practice before I get out there and im not going to class for it just need some advice or tips before applying to Parker towing

27 Comments
2024/10/21
13:09 UTC

0

Finding Tugboat work as owner

How are you guys. So I’m coming primarily from a different profession where I’ve made my bones. I’ve saved a bunch and I’m focused on investing. After searching around 5 industries I’ve settled on owning tugboats. I’m located in the Houston area. I’ve found where to buy or lease my boats but I’m looking at how do I go about getting my boat to start working. I know Kirby does a lot in the area and I’m looking to see how do I go about getting my boats in with them and always finding other contracts. Thank you all for everything

21 Comments
2024/10/20
05:54 UTC

2

No Drivers License required?

Any tug/barge companies out there that don't require a license to get hired on?? I got my TWIC.. Let me know appreciate it

2 Comments
2024/10/20
05:28 UTC

9

Tugboat Blues Song

damn looks like there’s a little tug out there just tryna make it…

https://suno.com/song/95e7e9bd-c2eb-4e0f-8152-7f46adb36c01

8 Comments
2024/10/20
03:09 UTC

26

Independence at MMA today

During my recent visit to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy campus, I had the privilege of witnessing the arrival of an impressive tugboat at the port. It was a remarkable sight to behold, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen it in person. I only wish I had been able to go on

0 Comments
2024/10/18
22:10 UTC

7

Career change?

Hello redditors,

I'm currently working for a construction company, but my curiosity for tugging and everything it entales has got the best of me and was wondering how I can get in to such "industry".

My dad recently retired after working in the maritime industry for many years (most recently on the serco tugs at HMMB devonport) And has said he loved every minute of it, obviously there were days where he thought about hanging up his coat and calling it a day, but that was a very rare occurrence.

I've quite frankly had enough of construction and would like to try do something a bit different.

Would appreciate any guidance of how to get into such "industry" and asume that it's not quite as simple as just applying for a job and will require some courses ect.

Kieran (28yo)

6 Comments
2024/10/18
21:05 UTC

3

MMC and STCW questions

Hi, I'm getting my Twic card Friday. I'm confused about my next step since I've read so much conflicting information. Do I apply for the MMC first then attend basic training? Or do I apply for my MMC at basic training? I read that some basic training courses have doctors right there that know how to fill out the form for the MMC, but also read that it takes about 90 days for the MMC to be processed. Any insight is much appreciated.

Also, any recommendations on where to go for basic training? I'm east coast but willing to travel further if needed.

6 Comments
2024/10/18
20:44 UTC

6

Kirby corp

Well I had my zoom interview with Kirby today I hope I did alright. I’m excited to hopefully begin a new career.

7 Comments
2024/10/18
16:33 UTC

1

Starlink question

I saw a post about starlink on a tow boat and I was wondering what kind of setup do people/companies use for wifi. On a 3 deck boat, the dish goes on top, through the ceiling of the wheelhouse to a router. So from that router do you need to get another router for the bottom deck and run cable through the wall? Also how good would the signal be on the second deck?

20 Comments
2024/10/17
20:16 UTC

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