Cabbot,
I think the guys you want to work for are after min 100 ton NC with commercial assistance towing. The job is not always towing a 20 ft run about back to the dock. Sometimes it is hard core and they need experience and quals for that. Good luck getting on. Watch out for the bare breasted boobies at Stiltsville !
"With a MATE NEAR COASTAL Endorsement on Master Inland:
Requires 180 days in Near Coastal waters (offshore).
Lets you operate an Inspected Vessel on Inland waters and a
6-Pack Vessel out to 200 miles offshore." Found this on seaschools website