Mariner Careers
Join Our Crew
Vane Brothers’ 125‑plus years of maritime excellence still guide us today. We use modern equipment and advanced systems to improve our fleet’s safety, efficiency, comfort, and performance — and we remember that our people make the difference.
Tugboats & Barges
Vane Brothers employs:
Tug Masters and Mates
Engineers
Deckhands/Deckhand Trainees
Barge Captains
Tankermen/Barge Crew
As a Jones Act company, we are American-owned and American-crewed, with vessels Made in America.
Requirements
A valid MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential), TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), and medical certificate are required for all positions.
Benefits & Opportunities
We offer great careers for qualified mariners and shore staff.
Regular schedules: typically 2 weeks on/2 weeks off or 3 on/3 off, so you work about half the year but earn a full year’s pay.
Competitive pay and full benefits.
Fleet Legacy Bonus: annual bonus after 12 months that grows with continued service.
We set the industry standard and seek candidates with the right skills, education, and experience.
Mate Training Program
Vane Brothers provides paid, in-house training opportunities for qualified Maritime Academy graduates and current tug operators.
1. Go to the VANE BROTHERS JOB LIST and select the “Mate” position to review “requirements and qualifications” and complete an application.
2. Upon notification of your selection, report to our Baltimore headquarters with other Mate Trainees to work a standard, even-time schedule [2 WEEKS ON / 2 WEEKS OFF] over multiple tours*.
3. Stay onboard a dedicated training tug with an experienced Captain and Engineer. A grub allowance is provided while on site.
4. Receive hands-on instruction in vessel operations and company-specific protocols and procedures, complemented by “real world “opportunities to demonstrate proficiency handling tugs and barges in the company fleet.
5. Earn a Mate assignment and an immediate pay upgrade.
*The number of tours varies depending on the individual progress of each trainee.
FAQs
Positions and Basic Requirements
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We frequently recruit for Tugboat Captain/Master, Mate, Engineer, Deckhand/Deckhand Trainee, and Tankerman (Barge Crew). Check the JOB LISTINGS for current needs; sometimes postings indicate we are collecting resumes but not currently hiring.
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Select JOB LISTINGS to view responsibilities and requirements, and to apply. You can also go to LEARN THE ROPES for an introduction to the various mariner duties.
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No. You MUST upload your valid Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential (TWIC®) and Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), as well as a current medical certificate, to complete your application. (Additional licenses and endorsements are also necessary for certain positions.)
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The Transportation Security Administration [tsa.gov] recommends you enroll for a TWIC® a minimum of 60 days before the credential is required. The National Maritime Center [dco.uscg.mil] recommends you apply for your MMC at least 90 days in advance.
The Application Process
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You MUST apply via our website’s JOB LISTINGS to be considered for a position. Resumés sent without an application do not move through the hiring process.
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Incomplete applications delay or prevent consideration until all required information and documents are submitted.
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Vane Brothers is a Jones Act company—American‑owned, American‑crewed, and operating U.S.‑built, U.S.‑flagged vessels. U.S. work authorization and compliance with U.S. Coast Guard credentialing rules apply. [maritime.dot.gov]
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We kindly ask that you do not call to follow up on your application due to the large volume of inquiries we receive. If there is a message that you would like to relay to a Vane Brothers Fleet Recruiter, please email fleetrecruiting@vanebrothers.com.
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First, check the JOB LISTINGS to see if we are actively hiring for the position. Sometimes postings indicate we are collecting resumes but not currently hiring. When actively hiring for a position, a Fleet Recruiter typically requires approx. two weeks to reach out after your application has been submitted (assuming your credentials match what the company is seeking). As a reminder: Your application is not complete until you upload all required licenses and certifications and sign the last page.
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Once we receive your completed application, the entire hiring process typically requires 4–6 weeks. During this time, a Fleet Recruiter and Human Resources representative prepare your offer letter, schedule your pre-employment physical and drug test, arrange your training, set up onboarding, and book your orientation class.
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Onboarding paperwork is sent to your email address via PAYCOM. This paperwork must be completed and electronically signed. The week before your start date, you will receive an email from our Fleet Recruiter with details about travel arrangements, required documents and items, and what to expect on your first day.
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Vane primarily offers even‑time schedules, such as 2 weeks on/2 weeks off or 3 on/3 off. ATB’s operate on a 3/3 schedule. (Exceptions may occur.)
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Final assignments depend on company needs, but requests will be considered. Vane Brothers tugboats and barges primarily operate at major Ports on the U.S. East, West and Gulf coasts, as well as in the Great Lakes region.
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For U.S. Coast Guard officer endorsements and shipboard safety, you must be able to speak and understand English (navigation rules, emergency/machinery instructions, radio procedures, etc.).
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Go to LEARN THE ROPES for an introduction to Deckhand responsibilities. A typical watch is 6 hours on/6 hours off around the clock. Duties include handling lines, vessel and equipment maintenance, cleaning and cooking, serving as lookout, and climbing onto the barge to facilitate docking/undocking.
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The U.S. Coast Guard requires compliance with drug testing and medical fitness standards to ensure mariners can safely perform their duties at sea. These requirements are part of the MMC and medical certificate application process.
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Vane Brothers provides Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as work vests; coveralls for Deckhands, Tankermen, and Engineers; hard hats; safety glasses; and gloves. Since you are living onboard the vessel during your on-duty period, Vane also supplies bed linens, blankets, towels, meals/grub pay, and a washer and dryer.
Mariner Roles and Expectations
Benefits and Training Opportunities
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Vane Brothers offers a very competitive benefits package—health insurance, vision, dental, retirement, and paid training opportunities.
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Vane Brothers currently offers sign-on bonuses for experienced Masters, Mates, Engineers, and Tankermen that have not previously worked for the company. Please note that Vane Brothers reserves the right to modify or discontinue this bonus program at its discretion.
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Yes. Mariners with 12 months or more of service at Vane Brothers receive an annual Fleet Legacy Bonus that grows larger the longer you remain with the company.
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Travel arrangements and reimbursements vary by assignment, route, and role. In most cases, you are responsible for your transportation. Details are provided during the offer/onboarding process.
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Vane Brothers offers paid, in-house training opportunities for wheelhouse-minded mariners. If you are not a current employee, you will apply for the Mate position on the JOB LISTINGS page. Current Vane Brothers employees should speak with their Port Captain or General Manager to express their interest in the program.
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Vane Brothers offers a paid Tankerman Training program combining hands‑on sessions alongside a company instructor together with Person-In-Charge (PIC) coursework at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS). The training is tailored to our fleet operations and procedures. If you are not a current employee, you will apply for the Tankerman position on the JOB LISTINGS page. Current employees should speak with their Port Captain or General Manager to express their interest.
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Vane Brothers’ formal training programs are listed above. Upon joining the company, if you receive prior approval from your Port Captain and General Manager, Vane Brothers will reimburse you for other training or classes needed to advance your career.
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Go to our LEARN THE ROPES page for information.
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Interested candidates should email humanresources@vanebrothers.com.
Endorsed by Vane Brothers