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How to Get a Tugboat License

Tugboats are hardworking, small boats which often work in bays or wide rivers to move barges, large non-motored boats or other water vehicles around a water lot. The drivers of the tugboats are required to own a tugboat license in their current state of residence. While some companies will help their drivers obtain the license, others require workers to have the license before applying for a tugboat job. Obtaining the license requires a person to understand the local state laws.

Things You'll Need

Boating safety course
Boating general knowledge course
Certification

Instructions

- 1
  Check the laws of your state. The fifty states have general boating guidelines which include boating safety courses and age restrictions on obtaining tugboat licenses. Make sure to obtain the correct paperwork, including necessary class certifications, before going to the local department of motor vehicles.
- 2
  Attend a class or take an online course for general boating knowledge. Every licensed tugboat driver needs to do this and pass a test before most states will allow a person to obtain the license. Get the results of the test, as it will need to be filed with the state.
- 3
  Take a boater safety course if your state requires it for licensing. The course is available in various locations as well as online. After the course is complete, obtain a copy of the results either through a printer or from the course instructor after paying a fee. Not all states require the certificate, but those who do will not issue a tugboat license without it.
- 4
  Drop off your certifications at the department of motor vehicles and fill out the required paperwork for the state. Many states charge a licensing fee, and the fee will vary from state to state. Once you have a license from a state for a tugboat, you do not have to get a license from another state in order to drive a tugboat in that state.

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