Assistance Towing Endorsement ExplainedUpdated a month ago

Understanding the Towing Endorsement: Commercial Assistance Towing for Licensed Captains

What is a general overview of the Towing Endorsement?

The Assistance Towing Endorsement may be issued to those who hold an OUPV/Six-Pack or Master's license and would like to engage in assisting vessels for a fee. To "commercially assist" other vessels that may be aground, disabled, out of fuel, or experiencing some other malfunction requires an endorsement for Commercial Assistance Towing.  

What would I use my Towing Endorsement for?  

With a Towing Endorsement, you are authorized to perform commercial assistance towing, also known as "towing for hire." This includes services such as towing a disabled vessel back to its homeport, similar to the operations of a TowBoat U.S. operator. This endorsement expands your capabilities as a licensed captain, enabling you to offer critical assistance services on the water.

Where can the Towing Endorsement be issued?  

The Assistance Towing Endorsement is attached to your existing OUPV/Six-Pack or Master's level license and covers those areas of operation. 

Can I get a Towing Endorsement if I were to operate a tugboat?  

No. The USCG Assistance Towing Endorsement is often misunderstood. This endorsement does not authorize a mariner to operate a tugboat, nor is it a “towing license” for handling tug or tow operations involving barges, cargo, or commercial towing vessels.

Instead, the Towing Endorsement only allows a credentialed mariner to engage in assistance towing - typically smaller recreational vessels - not to serve as a Mate or Master of a towing vessel.

If you are seeking the credentials required to operate a tugboat or other commercial towing vessel, the Coast Guard has separate licensing pathways with specific sea service, training, and examination requirements. For accurate guidance on obtaining the correct towing vessel officer endorsement, please contact the National Maritime Center (NMC) directly.