Deckhand

Canal Barge Company; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Canal Barge Company in Illinois seeks experienced Deckhands for our Inland Towing and Fleeting fleet. You will prepare barges for transport, manage lines and tackle, and perform watch duties while maintaining equipment and ensuring safety on the water.

Qualifications include passing a pre-employment physical and drug screen, obtaining a TWIC, possessing a valid driver’s license, and having a high school diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate ability to employ all safety practices and manage risk.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Hold a valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining, making up and breaking a tow, including coupling, operating winches and lines.
• Dropping, spotting and switching barges at docks.
• Standing lookout or riding the head of the tow.
• Maintain vessel and living quarters cleanliness; inspect equipment.
• Perform basic vessel maintenance and report hazardous conditions.
• Adhere to IMT policies, USCG and environmental regulations.

Skills

Safety awareness

Risk management

Written and verbal communication

TWIC required

Education

High school diploma

Job description

I. BASIC FUNCTION

Illinois Marine Towing Deckhands work on our fleet of Inland Towing and Fleeting Vessels preparing barges for safe and timely transport. Qualified candidates must be safety-conscious and able to work in a physically demanding environment. The work schedule consists of 21 days on and 21 days off (Line Boat) or 14 days on and 7 days off (Fleet Boat), working 12 hour shifts. *All applicants must have favorable work references and must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen.*

II. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties of the Deck Crew vary from vessel to vessel and from watch to watch. Duties include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Performing the various tasks necessary to maintaining, making up and breaking a tow, such as making a coupling, operating winches and ratchets, handling wires, handling and throwing lines and splicing lines
• Dropping, spotting and switching barges at docks
• Standing lookout or "riding the head" of the tow as a lookout
• Maintain cleanliness of the vessel and tow, such as cleaning or "souging" the vessel and cleaning living quarters
• Inspect and maintain equipment
• Preform basic vessel maintenance
• Report any relevant vessel condition information, especially any hazardous or unsafe condition of the boat, tow, and any associated equipment not to the Leadman, Master (or Pilot on Watch) and take action to prevent injuries or accidents
• Adhere to all IMT policies, USCG and environmental regulations

III. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical requirements of the job include climbing ladders and stairs, repetitive bending and stooping, lifting heavy marine equipment, and lifting objects from various levels ranging from 10-100 pounds. The equipment and tools used to perform job duties includes but is not restricted to lines, cables, ratchets, cheater pipes, pumps.

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS

Deckhands work and live aboard their assigned vessel for extended periods of time. The majority of duties performed by Deckhands are on the outside of the vessel and they may be subject to inclement weather (snow, ice, extreme heat, rain, fog, etc.). This work may be performed in rough waters and unstable footing conditions.

V. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must: Demonstrate the ability to employ all safety practices and manage risk. Have strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Hold a valid Driver's License. High school diploma or equivalent strongly preferred.

Canal Barge Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. The ability to provide world-class service to our customers rests on the capabilities and commitment of our people. The candidates who are selected to join the Illinois Marine family must be committed to working safely, protecting the environment and ensuring the security of our waterways while delivering world-class customer service. We treat our employees with respect, communicate openly and share the rewards when we succeed.