How to Become a Towboater: A Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide

A career as a towboater will take you from the mundane to the extreme, and you have plenty of ways to rise through the ranks and hone your skills as a seafarer crucial to the moving parts of maritime transportation. If you want to make your way along the rivers and handle bigger boats, check out this article on how to become one of the greatest towboaters out there.

Introduction

Towboating is not a game for meek beings. She argues that it is down to a combination of practical know-how, physical stamina and a love of the sea. As a Towboater, you will navigate and pilot vessels safely and effectively through different waterways, and that is for the purpose of transporting goods. This article provides you with a step-by-step explanation on how to become a towboat deckhand.

Step 1: Education and Basic Qualifications

Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent

For each location and job below, a high school diploma is normally necessary to be considered for work as a towboater. Particularly useful additional qualifications include courses in mathematics, physics and vocational training in relation to marine technology.

Gain Basic Maritime Experience

Begin with low-ranking maritime jobs Enlist as seamen, work in other support roles and receive on-the-job training and invaluable exposure to the machinations of the seas.

Step 2: Required Certifications

Get Your Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

All maritime workers have to possess the TWIC. Gain access by applying through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and successfully completing the security threat assessment.

Get Your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)

The MMC is a requirement to be able to operate a towboat and it is issued by the US Coast Guard. This includes a background check, drug test and a physical exam.

Step 3: Specialized Training and Licenses

Complete a Coast Guard Approval Training Program

One way you can go about this is to enroll in a training program that covers different skills—e-navigation, safety procedures, and vessel operations, among others. Many of these programs consist of a mix of classroom and practical training.

Obtain Relevant Endorsements

Depending on your career goals, you may be required to have other endorsements on your MMC, such as radar observer, firefighter, and first aid/CPR.

Step 4: Gaining Experience

Work Your Way Up as an Apprentice or Deckhand

Work with experienced towboat operators to gain on-the-job, industry-specific experience. There really is no substitute for this type of hands-on instruction when it comes to learning how to operate a towboat.

Advance to Higher Positions

As you gain experience, you can move up to positions like mate and eventually captain's. Rather, every step takes additional experience, more training and sometimes another exam.

Step 5: Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Stay Updated with Industry Regulations

The maritime sector is vulnerable to fast-changing regulations. Stay up-to-date on new laws and what is suggested as best practice so that you can ensure you are in compliance with the law, as well as grow your professional knowledge.

Attend Workshops and Conferences

Get involved within the industry at conferences and workshops to network with other professionals and keep informed with the latest towboating technology and safety.