Wheelhouse (Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilot)

General Job Responsibilities

The Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilot is the manager of the vessel including all attached barges. The Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilot is responsible for the crew’s adherence to all United States Coast Guard and company policies. The Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilot navigates safely, supervises the crew, oversees safety programs, complies with rules and regulations pertaining to the towing of vessels and protects the environment. The Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilot takes work assignments from the Operational Department. The Pilot backs up the Master, serving as supervisor when the Master is asleep and has management and supervisory responsibility while on watch. The Relief Captain serves as Pilot when the Master is on the vessel, and serves as the Master when the Master is at home. The Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilot must be able to intercede and safely perform the essential functions of any job on the vessel to include the job tasks of a deckhand and tankerman.The Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilot is responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned area. Employee’s key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Trains and supervises the crew in the safe and efficient performance of duties.
2. Evaluates performance of all crewmembers with river crews consisting of 7 to 10 members and canal crews consisting of 4 to 5 members.
3. Navigates in rivers or canals by properly using steering controllers, throttles, radar compasses, short wave radios, depth finders, loud hailers and other equipment to transport tow to a destination. Uses radio communication and vision to navigate waterways, docks, locks, and other vessel traffic.
4. Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of boat and tow; the loading, transport, and discharging of cargo
5. Adheres to company policies. United States Coast Guard, and environmental regulations.
6. Acts as a company representative in the day-to-day dealings with customers at their facilities and with representatives of governmental agencies.
7. Acts as the on-site coordinator in emergencies.
8. On smaller vessels performs routine engine room maintenance such as changing oil, checking oil, and changing fuel filters.

Learning and Training Requirements

Employee must be able to:

1. Hold and maintain necessary United States Coast Guard marine documents and/ or licenses for the position of the Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilot for inland waters and the Great Lakes. Employee must be able to meet all requirements to be able to renew and maintain documents or licenses.
2. Attend and successfully complete company training on new procedures and operations such as vapor recovery, benzene regulations, and fire fighting.
3. Attend company training on new procedures.
4. Provide navigation experience to senior crewmembers.
5. Provide orientation to new employees and training for all crewmembers.
6. Organize periodic operational meetings including safety, quality system, and other company-related topics.
7. Provide briefings to crew on customer requirements.

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