Like Jimmy Buffett sang, I am a true “son of a son of a sailor”, my grandfather was an unlimited Chief Engineer, my father a tug master and then Panama Canal Pilot, my brother is also a tug master.
I have been licensed and steering since 1978, and have since acquired Master 1600 tons upon Oceans, Inland Master Any Gross Tons, First Class Pilot Any Gross Tons, Master of Towing Vessels upon Oceans, Unlimited Radar Observer, A.R.P.A., S.T.C.W. 95…..
I started in the industry as a deckhand for my father in 1973, 5 years later I made captain on the same tug.
Based in NY harbor for the last 47+ years, my area of operation has included all major east coast ports from Bucksport, Me. to Port Arthur Texas. Including Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay with the last few years seeing us working in the Gulf of Mexico between Texas, Louisiana and Florida.
Edit; I have recently retired. My last captain’s berth was serving as Master of the A.T.B. Nicole L. Reinauer for Reinauer Transportation Co. in NY. since 2003. My tenure with Reinauer was from late 1992 to early 2021
I am not a writer by trade so I may ramble at times, I have been “around the block” so I can speak on many issues. I also have a deep concern for the future of this industry and I’m working toward making it better for the guys doing the job. I’m told I tend to use a lot of industry-speak when I write, so if I’ve confused you with a phrase, description, or reference feel free to ask for clarification. I’ll endeavor to clear up any confusion if asked.
This site is primarily focused on the needs and concerns of active professional mariners as well as providing a primer to the recreational boating community on what they are seeing when they look at a tug and tow….and what we’re thinking.
My favorite quote;
Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. In the first stage of life the mind is frivolous and easily distracted, it misses progress by failing in consecutiveness and persistence. This is the condition of children and barbarians, in which instinct has learned nothing from experience.
Any Newtown Creek stories?
Check out the image pages for some Reinauer activity in the creek.
Kosnac, Reinauer and K-Sea service the western shores of the creek. The Mary H travels deep into English Kills to service Bayside oil.
Bernie
Hi Capt. Brucato. It has been a while since I’ve pronounced that title. Gene and I worked at the Panama Canal way back in 1975. If you feel like remembering old times, please send me a note.
Gus Delgado.
Captain Brucato
Great site you have. I lived on board my 30 foot sailboat at Chelsea Piers from April to November in the mid ninties to 2002. I was always interesting about life and work on the tugs that I came across in sailing or heard conversing on the VHF. Thanks for allowing a more detailed look at what’s happening on these workhorses of the seas.
Do you know where I can find a map of the East River currents? I’m studying to be a librarian and my teacher wants us to find this.
For one of my English classes we spent the whole semester reading Moby Dick. Your blog reminds me of that book.
Thanks,
Sara Richardson
sararichardson@gmail.com
Sarah, If what you seek is a graphic tidal current chart of NY Harbor you need only acquire a copy of Eldridge’s Tide and Pilot Book. Any edition will have the graphics you’re looking for, it doesn’t have to be a recent edition. You might be able to find one in your local library. For larger scale and more detailed images you’ll need to call or visit a nautical supplier of charts in order to purchase it.
Ahoy Capt. B:
A little heads up. Poular Mechanics (March 2010) has an article on the “Super Tugs” specifically the Edward J. Moran out of Savannah. Sez here it’s one of the “most powerful sophisticated tugs in the United States”. Thought you might be interested. Says it can go from 14 knts to 0 in a boat length. What’s the scuttlebutt about these tugs?
Sarah
Here’s a link to an excellent site showing currents and much more in NY harbor – http://hudson.dl.stevens-tech.edu/maritimeforecast/ On the right side of the page – Click on an area under the Click on a Forecast Region. The Manhattan waters one will show what the currents are doing at any given time (hourly). Check them out just before and after the tide turns.
Captain,
Shame on me for not having read your blog before (nor put it on my unit’s blogroll). Great stuff. The shiphandling/piloting write-ups are outstanding, and also provide me with training tools for my budding shiphandlers. Tug captain perspective on various items is always valuable as well.
Just a note passing on my appreciation for your efforts.
Thanks for the kind words,
bb
Things were never like this at Exxon Inland!
My father Lars Hagen Sr was Chief Engr for Blue Line for many years. Last assignment was on Salutation-1951.
Would like to find any information available about him and the Blue Line Tugs: Salutation, Seneca, Saratoga, Sagamore. Especially the Salutation “open house” at Pier 1 in 1951 (introduced as first hydraulic pilot house in NY).
Regards Lars LBHagen@Gmail.com
I have authored a web page focused on my Dad (Lars Hagen Sr) and the McWilliams Blue Line Tugs and other related materials and web links that may be of interest to tugboat enthusiasts. Please visit and enjoy.
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http://www.lars1.com/TugboatsBlueLine/index.htm
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Copy and paste the link into your browser address to view
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Regards Lars
Hi —
Jessica DuLong, engineer on the fireboat John J. Harvey, gave me the link to your blog. It is terrific. Next week the Working Harbor Committee is presenting a great program about Women Seafarers in Manhattan, which Jessica will be part of. Here is our Press Release headline. Details are at http://www.workingharbor.org.
Thanks,
Betsy Haggerty
America’s Women Seafarers Tell Their Stories
Wednesday, March 30 at 6.p.m., Community Church of New York, 40 East 35th Street, Manhattan
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www. workingharbor.org.
This special Women at Sea program features a screening of the documentary “Shipping Out – The Story of America’s Seafaring Women” followed by a conversation with seven women mariners who work as mates aboard cargo ships, tug captains, marine engineers, pilots, port officials and more.
hi capt brucato
i got 260 days as apprentice mate?(steersman)
need to complete TOAR have 4 items left,
i nlooking to fininsh up ..
please
e.mail me
thanks
jeff k
captjeffkk@aol.com
Jeff, Thanks for asking but unless you’re an employee in the outfit I’m with, I’m unavailable for signing candidates off on their TOAR. I don’t have a tug and barge at my disposal. If you worked here and were assigned to my boat I could and would sign you off if you met and demonstrated the skills to my satisfaction as required in the TOAR.
Wish I could have been more help. What’s preventing you from finishing the TOAR at your present job?
Capt John T. 6/7/2012
Hi Capt Brucato hope you’re enjoying 14 days off. I currently hold 100 ton masters license and in the process of upgrading to 200 ton. Looking to go from private and charter boats to comercial vessels but without towing endorcement nobody wants to talk to Me. Any suggestions on best place to start would be greatly appreciated. I have been reading your site for about a year now keep up the good work
John, Thanks, I am. FYI; In order to “break into” the business most candidates had to know someone who could get them in the door, but that is no longer necessary. The days of “father-son” type hiring are waning and anyone with the desire can get the job, but it takes a good bit of determination and a thick skin. You need to start by knocking on doors and putting yourself out there in order for any tugboat outfit to consider you. Unions play a large part in the process but presently in NY the primary union UMD333 is in receivership due to issues too numerous to mention. This however presents hopefuls with a golden opportunity for getting a job..You’ll still need to join the union, but if you get hired you get 30 days on the job before you need to put up your initiation fee.
Before you get yourself signed off you’ll need to prove yourself on deck. It takes time (think 18 months or so) to become a proper and fully qualified deckhand, and that depends on whether you get on a tug that does more than just “ship assist” work.. After you’ve met that mark you need to put in the time haunting the pilothouse and making it known that you wish to train. No one is going to grab you by the scruff of your neck and drag you up the helm, you need to show up and do it often. Getting signed off means you’ve performed the skills required in front of a designated examiner who attests to your being “competent”, you aren’t going to be expected to be an expert, you can’t achieve that skill level in such a short time. What you can and must do is prove that you have the sense, feel and guts to do the job safely without hurting your crew, boat or ANYTHING ELSE. It’s an apprenticeship that sets you up with the critical skills and thought process on how to approach the jobs you’re assigned with a clear head and steady hand. Good luck.
Good morning capt it’s been three years since seeking your advice. I got a job with a construction co. Started as deck hand then on to engineer also running crew boats and rule beater tugs along the way. Made it to 200 ton master with mate pilot of towing vessels and 38 days to make master of towing vessels. This morning I find myself hanging on a mourning ball trying to hide from mother nature. It’s blowing 30 NE pushing 2 barges out front and another tug on my hip and no towing winche this is the safest place to be. It’s been a long 3 years when it’s blowing like this you quickly realize there’s no substitute for experience today I was lucky to have it. I hope time has been good to you be safe and thank you
John, It’s a pleasure to hear from you. I’m glad you found your path and I hope you enjoy your career as much as I have and do. Best regards,
Bill Brucato
Capt.Brucato,
A few years ago I remember reading an article titled “The Curse of the Recreational Boater.” I thought it was you but I didn’t find it on your blog. Have you heard of it and can give me a pointer to it or am I hallucinating?
In either case I continue to enjoy your comments and videos.
You are working for a great family and good friends. You may see me around the harbor in a 26′ light blue hull Pursuit. Often have my Reinauer towl Craig or Jan gave me over my seat. Keep up the great work. Capt. Harry Gates M/V SETAG.
Hi skip,
Hope your having safe seas. I’m trying to get into the tug industry. I worked for a fast ferry company for about 5 yrs. I now would like to get into tugs. I love the water and can’t be away from it. I’m currently not working on the water. And I’m having a tough time getting hired. Do you know where I could get a chance? I recently turned 31 and have no desire to be anywhere but the sea. I love the ny harbor. I miss the boats. Anything would help. Thank you for your time skip. I hope you have a safe trip.
Stephen, I wish I had the answer you need. I can only suggest that you keep trying with the local NY outfits. I’m assuming you have the necessary documents (TWIC, MMC) so at least you have one less hurdle to clear. Local 333 has bitten the poison apple and looks to be a non-issue as far as standing between a hopeful candidate and the local outfits. Try Kirby (nee K-Sea), McAllister, Poling and so on until you find someone who’s willing to give you a shot. All I can say is to keep on banging on doors. “Entry level” is a tough spot to get, but it’s not going to be handed to you.
Dear Capt. Brucato,
My name is Jen and I am a reporter at Columbia Journalism School. I am doing a photo essay about the tugboat industry and was wondering if it would be possible to spend some time with you or someone else aboard a tugboat.
Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.
Best,
Jen
Jen, I have sent you an email.
Capt. Brucato:
I just installed a class B AIS transponder on my 30 foot monohull sailboat this summer. It seemed like a good idea as I sail Long Island Sound and through New York Harbor on occasion. I was wondering how you professional mariners feel about recreational boats like mine having AIS transponders?.
Mike, My opinion is the more visible you are to us the better we can communicate and avoid dangerous situations from developing. In case you weren’t aware, many of us are equipped to plot any radar target on A.R.P.A, (automatic radar plotting aid, a very fancy radar) but if your target doesn’t show up, guess what, we don’t see you.. In rain, fog, heavy weather or snow that’s a real problem if we can’t see your lights. But with this same A.R.P.A. I also can plot your AIS target which comes through (when you’re in range) even without your radar target. I can identify you as a class B at a much safer distance and since you have AIS I can reasonably expect you’re monitoring channel 16. I can raise you if I feel we’re about to get “up close and personal”. It’s a good idea. You’re safer and so am I, you can see me on your display and I can plot you on mine. It’s all good.
Capt. Brucato:
Thanks for the reply. I installed the unit a few weeks ago but, unfortunately my harbor does not have any AIS receive coverage so I have not been able to tell if the transponder is working yet from any AIS internet sites. I am picking up traffic on the receive side though. Hope to do some sea trails on the LI Sound/NY Harbor later this week and see what kind of range my unit has. I usually monitor 16 & 13 when underway. It will be nice to be able have a name and be able to contact the tug behind the bow of that barge that would occasionally “surprise” me. Personally, I never liked surprises like that! 🙂 I’m hoping with the AIS transponder they won’t occur ever again for either of us.
Capt Brucato,
I am writing a book written mostly for sailors and want to include some statistics on how tricky Hell Gate is so that it is not underestimated in passage planning. I can’t find any sites that give accident or incident stats. I’ve check the USCG IIR site and found nothing there since it has to be a pretty bad incident to show up there. What would an accurate estimate of incidents? Must certainly be dozens of recreational boating incidents every year. Hundreds? Any idea?
Thanks,
-Mat
Mat, I can’t answer your question regarding the frequency or magnitude of incidents occurring within the recreational community. I know of the few that involve professional mariners vs. recreational vessels but I wouldn’t be all that informative beyond what is generally published by the NTSB or USCG. I can comment on how the Gate is utilized and transited by large commercial vessels and the problem posed when the recreational community gets tangled up with the professional mariner. I have a specific post regarding the Gate here.. I hope this helps. If you need specific detail on approaching and maneuvering in the waterway I think this will help foster a better understanding of what boaters face, both pros and recreational folks as well.
[…] ever since I was a senior in highschool as a matter of fact, is Capt. Bill Brucato also know as NY Tugmaster. I found his blog while researching the industry before I headed off to Maine Maritime Academy to […]
I am writing a book on the East River and would like to be able to converse with you, particularly about navigation in the river.
Prof. Tom Barthel
Send me your number in a private message. We’ll talk.
Hello Captain Brucato,
I am working on a story for children (part of a class I’m taking) and would like to know more about the life of a river boatman (tug or barge). Would love to talk to you if you have time.
thanks, Sue
If you wish, you can send an interrogatory and I will reply as best as I can. If you want to actually talk send your contact info and best time to try here (it won’t be made public) and I will try to get hold of you.
Btw, sorry for the late reply. I have been away at work and unable to properly answer any correspondence.
miss ya you still play your guitar
Indeed I do.
Hi Capt,
I came across your site by accident and found it most interesting. I’m not a mariner but a corporate Sikorsky 76 helicopter pilot. For the last 30 years flying in and out of the heliports of NYC, I often wondered what it is like to work on the water instead of flying over it. I remain humbled by your industries way of moving ships look easy. Thanks for your words. Clear skies and calm seas!!
Hello Captain,
Nice work! Although a SI native and lover of the sea, I admit I know little about maritime life and work. Thank you for teaching me in such an interesting way.
I am Director of the Tottenville Historical Society, Staten Island, and am currently researching and writing a book on the history of Charleston, Staten Island, NY. The 2003 Port Mobil tragedy will be included. I am wondering if you can direct me to the owner of the photos on your Bouchard 125 blog to ask permission to use one or two images in the book. Regards, Linda Cutler Hauck
Linda, I do not own nor do I know who owns the photos. They were solidly in the public domain (as in all over the web) when I made use of them.
Hello Capt Brucato, You have nailed every facet of being a tugboat captain with astute observations, humor and a good dose of salt. Well done. Susan A Stark
Hello Captain Bill Brucato, this is your Deckhand Captain Richard E Thompson. I hope you and your family are well!!! So much to tell you, Itchy Richie is still alive living in PA near my Dad. Amazing the last surving brother. I am now diabled and retired from the abuse too my body. Last year I had too have neck fusion done. If you recall Lester sent me up on top of the Mighty Tug Evelyn too lower everything down as he was going thru the Harlem River. So I pulled the pin on the great radar mast and it got away from me and landed on my head. So I ended up with severe disc damage in my neck, so Oct 2016 I finally had too have the surgery done. So that was it done. So would like to either get together, yes I still live in the same house lol.
I’m glad to hear from you. A friend of mine just went through a similar procedure and had relief for the first time in a while. I hope the same for you. Me, still working and hopeful that retirement can happen eventually, we are both doing fine.
Got a way to go just yet, still having fun. All the best.