Job Description
Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the environment. The primary responsibility is to navigate the vessel safely at all times, in all weather conditions, while navigating the inland waterways.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with Company safety protocols during watch duty.
- Safely operate and manage crew, vessel, and tow efficiency.
- Complete, submit, and maintain required records, logs, and reports.
- Execute duties as per the Vessel Security Plan as the designated security officer.
- Familiarize crew with cargo and associated hazards among towed barges.
- Verify serviceability of lifesaving equipment, fire detection, and firefighting systems.
- Always maintain safe and clean accommodations and require crew to do the same.
- Organize and conduct necessary training, drills, and exercises.
- Adhere to established vessel management policies and procedures, including budget management.
- Provide clear direction to subordinates and conduct periodic performance evaluations.
- Conduct and report results of periodic vessel audits and inspections.
- Maintain continual communication with crew, land-based personnel, USCG, or lock personnel for information sharing.
- Prepare vessel and crew for emergency responses.
- Operate and maintain the assigned vessel in alignment with quality, safety, security, and environmental policies and procedures.
- Uphold a positive company image and maintain professional relationships with customers, pilots, terminal personnel, and the public.
- Ensure adequate vessel manning and watch schedules.
- Perform other assigned duties as required.
Minimum Requirements:
- Valid USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential with Towing Endorsement
- Valid TWIC
- Valid Radar Endorsement
- Must pass pre-employment drug test and submit to random DOT testing requirements.
- Must meet USCG physical examination requirements and pass pre-employment physical.
- Ability to collaborate, effectively manage and work well with others.
- Strong time management skills, able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly follow instructions, both written and verbal.
Preferred Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Prior experience in a similar position within the marine transportation industry
- Prior experience in a safety sensitive position
Physical Requirements:
The unpredictable, ever-changing, and inherently dangerous nature of towboat operations requires the crew members to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and entire crew. Specific physical requirements include:
- Traverse boats, barges, and tows a minimum of two (2) miles per day, including on wet or slick surfaces.
- Transport equipment of 60 to 100 pounds up to 1000 feet.
- Ascend/Descend a 90 degree ladder up to 40 feet.
- Move, transport, and position equipment up to 100 pounds.
- Position self to move through 18-inch diameter hatch.
- Move two (2) feet horizontally and vertically.
- Maintain constant communication with crew members.
- Ability to recognize and identify distant objects and recognize distances between objects.
- Constantly work in outdoor weather conditions.
- Work shifts a min. of 12 hrs. (could be up to 15).
