Tug Life & Crew Changes from the Cap’n
Message from the Cap’n is a compilation of fishing advice, waterman and weather insights, Chesapeake lore, and ordinary malarkey from the folks who keep their feet wet in the Potomac and St. Mary’s rivers.
The Cap’
****two weeks on, two weeks off = Life on a tug ****
Some observations gathered from tug boat captains Butch Cornelius and Dave Hoffman:
In the maritime industry, annual salaries can vary widely. Captains usually earn between $130,000 and $200,000 per year, ($750-$900 per day) while mates and engineers typically make slightly less, with salaries ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, ($600-$780 per day) based on experience. Entry-level deckhands can expect to earn between $45,000 and $50,000 per year, while experienced AB deckhands may earn around $65,000.
Tugs usually have three-man crews. Captain, engineer, and mate. Occasionally deckhands and trainees are added according to the tug’s assignment.
And these observations about life on board:
“Tug-boating is not for everyone. Often, you may feel lonely being away from your family and friends, and you can expect to miss birthdays, cookouts, and spending time with your best friend. On the flip side, you’re working away to provide for all your loved ones. Typically, you work for two weeks and then have two weeks off. Many of us get drawn into this industry because of the time off and the financial compensation, which helps to balance out the time spent away from home.”
“When reflecting on their careers, they reminisce about the countless stories of life on the boat, the thrills, and good times shared with great people.”
Finally: the Captain’s verses about Crew Changes:
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*******Crew Change*******
- Somber faces getting aboard
- Another two weeks is assured
- Many stores to last the tour
- Makes life easier to endure
- **
- Not much talk at the dock
- everyone’s checking the clock
- Off we go with the pedal down
- Off we go with much sound
- ***
- Time for hearing covers
- I cannot hear my brothers
- Not long out to our charge
- hoping the swells aren’t large
- ****
- Coming back’s, a different tone
- Smiling faces looking for home
- Several weeks of fun and more
- Might make one want to stay ashore.
Till next time, remember “It’s Our Bay, Let’s Pass It On.”
To learn about tours and trips into the Chesapeake, keep in touch with Fins + Claws on Facebook. Catch up on Messages from the Cap’n Member Page. Please visit Cap’n Jack’s lore and share with your social media sites. Or reach him here: [email protected] or 240-434-1385.
