Capt. Charles “Trip” Jennings Durant takes the helm of 3 TowBoatUS ports on Georgia/Florida Coast

Capt. Charles “Trip” Jennings Durant aboard one of his TowBoatUS response vessels © BoatUS

Making a living from the sea is a long-standing tradition with deep roots in Capt. Charles "Trip" Jennings Durant's family tree. After graduating from McIntosh County High School in 2003, Durant joined his family's multigenerational shrimping operation and, soon after, began working as a part-time TowBoatUS captain. Five years ago, he took the helm of Katie-Underwood, a Sapelo Island ferry.

Durant saw TowBoatUS as his future, however. The married father of two is the new owner of TowBoatUS Brunswick and TowBoatUS Brunswick, Georgia, and TowBoatUS Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Durant, who is also a volunteer fire department member, spoke of his challenge in seeking a family-friendly, on-the-water career. "I wanted to be able to make a dollar and be home every night," said Durant. "I'm feel really fortunate and excited to run my own TowBoatUS on-water towing business and helping folks on the water when they really need it the most."

The three TowBoatUS locations are part of a network of more than 300 ports and 600-plus red response vessels. Nationwide, the towing service responds to around 90,000 requests for routine assistance each year, including towing, ungroundings, battery jumps, and fuel drop-off services.

Durant's on-water fleet consists of three 24/7 response vessels from 25- to 28 feet, fully rigged for towing and salvage work. Additionally, the company has a boat trailer ready to go at a moment's notice, allowing ramp launching that helps expedite TowBoatUS service over the company's sizable operating area that includes nearly 100 miles of remote Georgia/Florida coast out to 75 miles offshore. Many of the requests for on-water help that Durant receives are for the routine, such as engine troubles or running aground, as tides run 7 feet or more. Shoals and ocean inlets can be treacherous for boaters who don't have local knowledge.

Much like an auto club for recreational boat owners, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers annual on-water Unlimited Towing Memberships for saltwater boaters and anglers for just $165 per year. Included are more than 25 BoatUS benefits including discounts at local fuel docks and transient slips at marinas. Also included with membership is a subscription to BoatUS Magazine, free DSC-VHF radio registration and more.

All the company's captains are U.S. Coast Guard-licensed. Separate from BoatUS on-water towing, the company offers boat salvage services.

The fastest way to request assistance from TowBoatUS Brunswick, TowBoatUS Valona and TowBoatUS Fernandina Beach is to download the free BoatUS App, which connects boaters to the closest local towing captain. Additionally, the company can be reached at 877-283-1564, or by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869.

For more go to www.BoatUS.com/Towing or call 800-888-4869.