General Job Responsibilities
The Master/Relief/Pilot is the manager of the vessel including all attached barges. The Master/Relief/Pilot is responsible for the crew’s adherence to all United States Coast Guard and company policies. The Master/Relief/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/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/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:
- Trains and supervises the crew in the safe and efficient performance of duties;
- Evaluates performance of all crewmembers with river crews consisting of 7 to 10 members and canal crews consisting of 4 to 5 members;
- 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;
- Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of boat and tow; the loading, transport, and discharging of cargo;
- Adheres to company policies, United States Coast Guard and environmental regulations;
- Acts as a company representative in the day-to-day dealings with customers at their facilities and with representatives of governmental agencies;
- Acts as the on-site coordinator in emergencies;
- On smaller vessels performs routine engine room maintenance such as changing oil, checking oil, and changing fuel filters.
