Working on a Tugboat

TOPICS:

As a tugboat captain, you know everything about working on a towing boat. You might be surprised to find out that a lot of people wonder what it would be like to be a part of a tugboat crew. Something about these unique vessels makes people wonder what it would be like to live the tugboat life. To help interested people understand what towing crews do every day, we reached out to a few “old salts.”  These tug captains know what’s expected of a tug crew member on his or her first day. This should help give anyone an idea about life working on a tugboat.

Here are top 10 things that tug captains expect from new tugboat crew members can expect on their first day of the job:

  1. Report to the captain and show him/her your paperwork.
  2. Find your bunk and introduce yourself to your shipmates.
  3. Practice good hygiene habits and clean up after yourself on a regular basis.
  4. Show pride in your job by keeping your work area clean.
  5. Listen to your captain and your crew. These are the ones who will teach you how to do your job.
  6. When you get assigned to watch, show up a few minutes early. Don’t nap when you’re on watch.  It’s dangerous, and it’s the quickest way to find yourself unemployed.
  7. Show up for each shift fully prepared with your work knife, boots, and any other gear you need.
  8. If you’re not sure of something, ask your captain or crew. It’s better than making a mistake in this high-stakes environment.
  9. Practice your line-handling skills by throwing ropes at the fantail. This is how everyone develops this skill.  If you need help, ask your crew for some tips.
  10. Learn to tie knots including bowline, clove hitch, half hitch, and more. Developing the skills to do this well comes from practice.

Working as a Deckhand on a Tugboat

This is a short list of what’s expected of new recruits. Only a tugboat captain like you is able to list everything that’s required of rookies. Two things the captains told us about tugboat jobs is that they pay well and require a lot of hard work. Most towing companies don’t require any previous experience to join their crews. Working on a tugboat is all about on-the-job training. This could be a good alternative career path for someone who might not pursue a traditional college degree.

DIRECTV for Tugboats and Towing Vessels

Tugboat captains and crew will agree that it’s great to have DIRECTV on board. Satellite dishes can be mounted on towing vessels, and work up to 50 miles from shore as well as in the harbor. DIRECTV is a huge favorite of captains and crews who work long, hard hours towing and tugging all types of ships. During your breaks, there’s nothing better than kicking back with your favorite shows. With DIRECTV on board, you’ll see your favorite news, sports, and entertainment programming. That’s why it’s such a great addition to a tugboat’s breakroom and bunks.

Signal Connect for Marine DIRECTV

Are you a tugboat owner or captain who’d like to add DIRECTV to your vessel? If so, Signal Connect is your source for marine satellite TV. We’ll match you with the best programming package, satellite dish, and other equipment. Your Signal Connect rep will also connect you with a local DIRECTV installer. We’ll activate your account, and provide free customer support as long as you have DIRECTV.  Satellite TV is a great addition to any tugboat or towing vessel, and Signal Connect can make it happen for you. If you have any questions, give us a call at 888-233-7563.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.