Inland / River Towing Career Path
Towboats and inland river work have their own licensing track separate from the STCW-heavy offshore world. Progress from Deckhand to Towboat Master (Pilot) on America's inland waterways.
Career milestones
- Deckhand — Most inland deckhands start with zero maritime experience. You'll learn line handling, fleeting barges, ratchet work, and basic vessel maintenance. It's demanding physical work with excellent earning potential once licensed.
- Able Seaman – Inland — After accumulating sea days and passing the USCG exam, inland mariners can earn an AB Inland endorsement. This rating qualifies you for lead deckhand and senior line-handler roles and positions you for the steersman / pilot trainee path.
- Apprentice Mate / Steersman — Steersmen are licensed to operate a towing vessel under direct supervision of a licensed Master. This is the practical training phase where you log wheel-watch hours and demonstrate vessel-handling competency.
- Towboat Captain / Pilot — Towboat Captain (Master of Towing Vessels) is the pinnacle of the inland track. The license specifies routes and/or river segments you're authorized to navigate. Senior Towboat Captains on major carriers earn among the highest wages in the industry.