Tug Boat Operator Training
Operators of tows and tugboats work in the inland waterways and coastal regions of the United States. Approximately 15 percent of transportation travels through U.S. inland waters, and 5 percent along coastal ocean routes. Training for the positions differs for the various sizes and operations.
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Operation
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Tug boats provide services such as shifting floating equipment within harbors, marine towing services, tugboat services, and docking and undocking ocean vessels. Tug boat operators are required to learn the correct operating procedures for various water craft, how properties of mechanics and physics work, the principles, mathematics and applications of navigation, and how technology is used to complete tasks.
License
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The captain and crew of a tug boat must be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Positions in the industry are gained through formal training facilities, such as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or the other state academies. Students are required to pass tests to to obtain certificates that allow them to complete various jobs.
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Training
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A Transportation Worker's Identification Credential from the Transportation Security Administration and a Merchant Mariner's Document from the Coast Guard are required for employment on any seagoing vessel. Tugboat operators need to obtain numerous licenses and endorsements from the Coast Guard to serve in positions of increasing responsibility. Knowledge and skills are learned from time spent on the job, called "Sea Time." Operators will be retested periodically to maintain their current licenses or endorsements.
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