Mate of Tow (Vessel)

Overview

As a Mate (Towing) with Edison Chouest Offshore, you will play a key role in safe and efficient tug operations, providing escort, docking, and towing services for some of the world’s largest vessels. You will support the Master in all aspects of vessel handling, supervise the deck crew, and ensure strict compliance with regulatory and company standards. ECO’s nimble true tractor tugs are capable of 360° maneuverability and serve long-term contracts with the LNG receiving terminals throughout the Gulf of Mexico and oil response operations in Alaska’s Prince William Sound.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as Officer in Charge of a Navigation Watch (OICNW) and assist in all aspects of tug handling, including escorting, berthing, towing, and oil response missions.

Supervise deck crew in line handling, rigging, and towing gear operations; verify correct setups for escort and berthing evolutions.

Conduct bridge resource management (BRM) to ensure safe navigation and situational awareness during close-quarters maneuvers.

Lead safety drills (fire, man overboard, abandon ship) and maintain lifesaving, firefighting, and towing equipment.

Coordinate with terminals, pilots, and port authorities to ensure seamless vessel escort and docking operations.

Mentor and train junior crew members in safe towing practices, line handling, and seamanship.

Enforce company policies and HSE standards; use “stop work authority” to prevent unsafe acts.

Assume command in the absence or incapacitation of the Master.

Qualifications

Valid MMC with either :

Master of Towing (Inland) , or

Mate of Towing (Inland) endorsement.

STCW, Medical Certificate, and TWIC required.

Proven experience with tug or towing operations; tractor tug experience strongly preferred.

Strong BRM skills, communication, and situational awareness.

Work Environment & Compliance

Rotational schedule (12 hours within a 24-hour period); extended hours may be required.

Tug environment with frequent close-quarters maneuvers, varied sea states, and exposure to weather.

Safety-sensitive position subject to USCG drug & alcohol testing.

Must meet shipboard physical demands (climbing, lifting, working in adverse conditions).

Travel required for crew changes and assignments.

Why ECO?

Long-term charters provide stability.

Competitive pay, training opportunities, and career progression toward Master of Towing.

Operate some of the most advanced true tractor tugs in the industry.

About Us

At Edison Chouest Offshore, we are proud to crew one of the world’s most advanced offshore fleets. Our success comes from people who share our values of hard work, safety, and teamwork. We hire those who not only meet the requirements but who truly want to be part of our mission. Whether you’re beginning your maritime career or advancing toward Master, ECO provides the stability, training, and opportunities to grow.

The Edison Chouest Offshore family of companies is committed to ensuring all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law with regard to any employment practices. We are dedicated to ensuring all employees are treated with the utmost level of respect as we believe this is the strongest foundation to build upon to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable handling their assignments, sharing their ideas, and pointing out opportunities for improvement.