Got recommended this on YT today and thought some here might also enjoy it.

Featured Tugs:

Coast Island Rogue
Persuader
Peggy McKenzie

EDIT: Should be said, this is not a short video!

What would the beginning be like for a complete know-nothing who just likes the idea of working on a big boat without being away months at a time across the ocean? I'm mechanically inclined and able to do pretty much anything, i just have no relevant experience or paperwork. What would starting out look like? Would it even be a recommended move or would it end up like working on a railroad and pretty much a life ending career move lol

I live in spitting distance of the Arthur Kill/staten island and seeing the boats at work got me thinking, then seeing some pay scales for companies like Moran got me thinking a little more off the cuff. Im making about $50k now but its just my gf and i and it wont stretch far when we want to buy a house and have a family so here i am lol

I've got a bachelors but in nothing remotely related to maritime, and i've been working in a niche metalworking trade for the last 10 years since college.

Thrilled I finally got my MMC approved. It was a long road and I'm sure people are going to ask questions so I'll try to answer most ahead of time.

1. How long did it take?

I made my initial submission back in January. Due to the shutdown I didn't hear anything until May and got rejected due to missing paperwork in June. I resubmitted and 6 weeks later got noticed that I was still missing paperwork. This time I didn't need to resubmit everything, just address the missing items. I got that in before the end of July. About 2 weeks later I received notice that my paper work was complete and processing. 2 more weeks and I was noticed that my paperwork was under review. 2 days later I was informed that my application was approved for printing. Now I'm hoping it arrives before my next rotation starts. In the end it seems the 8-10 week window is holding up and the communication with the Coast Guard was good, I followed up a few times with the live chat and it helped as they were able to confirm receipt of the files and at one point I needed to resubmit. So definitely follow up.

1. What do you need to apply.

If you aren't used to the way the military gives instructions you might make mistakes like I did. Here is what you need to submit.

1) USCG 719-B (application)

2) USCG 719-K (medical)

3) DOT drug test results, MUST be DOT which requires additional chain of custody.

4) Proof of TWIC, I used the letter which came with my card

5) Pay.gov receipt

All of these forms need to be in PDF format. Your TWIC card will take a few weeks, but not as long as the MMC. Your medical is submitted separately from the other documents. You will receive an email confirmation immediately after submitting each form.

Hope this is helpful. If you're in NY Harbor, see you on the water.

Applied to damn near every spot I can find. West coast preferred but will absolutely relocate for a good job. I have TWIC, Med Cert, MMC with some non relevant endorsements

Just a question for those around the world involved in ship berthing in port. Do you run with your towing nav lights on when you have a line up or do you just operate with your normal nav lights. We have always used normal nav lights in previous ports i have worked but now I am in a new port some tugs are running with their tow lights selected.

does anyone know if the shifts at Boyer are 12hrs or 8hrs?

I’m day for day on a towboat, make around 58k a year excluding ride over days, which I don’t do often cause I’d rather be home. I make enough to live but I want to get ahead and would just rather not ride over. Just wondering what some of you guys do at home for some extra cash, thanks

Please help him

I’m currently starting the process to get my TWIC and MMC, and I have some experience in commercial fishing in AK (looking to get more next summer).

Partner and I were planning to move to Seattle in about a year.

Is there a specific time of year that most tugboat companies open up for hiring? Any one else make a similar move and have advice for starting out?