I recently spoke with a tug owner (5 boats). He said he has lost 3 captains to the Gulf in the past several months. He wants to hire asap, but remains unwilling to increase wages. His wages are about five years behind the times.
He complained about the expensive damage that some his captains are causing. Supposedly, that’s why he cannot afford to pay more. However, he’d rather hire marginal guys with a license that are too stupid or desperate to say no, rather than pay a little more for guys that are good.