How to Become a Tugboat Captain

A tugboat captain can have an exciting, adventurous career in the workboat industry. Tugboats are amazing vessels that offer invaluable support for the ships that come in and out of harbors and ports. Without the tugboat, huge ships would not be able to maneuver successfully.

Instructions

1. Know that to become a tugboat captain it is necessary to learn how to operate a tugboat efficiently. These powerfully built, small boats control a huge ship's direction. Tugboats work in teams. One tugboat goes in front of a large ship and another tugboat goes behind the ship. They guide the ship through bridges and other obstacles to arrive safely at dock. Then, they guide the ship back out to sea.

2. Gain experience in the workboat industry by getting a job on a tugboat or other similar sea vessel. You must gain sea-time experience on a vessel. Often, you can start as a tugboat captain's assistant and get on-the-job training. Tugboat captains share knowledge, learn techniques from each other and train others in these skills.

3. Learn all you can about a tugboat if you want to become a tugboat captain. You must know your vessel thoroughly. Tugboats can't handle high seas and they are not able to float heavy loads. The duties and assignments of tugboats are specific to the job of directing and guiding ships. It's a huge responsibility since you must direct a vessel 20 times or more the size of your tugboat.

4. Find training if you want to become a tugboat captain by contacting training facilities in the workboat industry. There are training classes available that issue a license upon successful completion of the course. You'll learn the technology involved in operating a tugboat and get practice on a tugboat simulator. You can research workboat training facilities online.