Fleet Wheelman - Port Allen (Tiger Fleet)

American Commercial Barge Line LLC; Jeffersonville (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

On-the-job training

Safety-focused culture

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Meaningful work

Job summary

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a Fleet Wheelman to captain vessels in Port Allen and Tri-Fleet, Louisiana. The role requires navigating challenging waters, leading a skilled crew, and ensuring safety and compliance on every watch.

The position follows a 14/7 schedule with 12-hour watches and offers opportunities to contribute to the safety and efficiency of critical river transportation. A strong USCG license and related credentials are essential.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Master of Towing Vessels on Western Rivers (Inland Waters or Near Coastal endorsement).
• Experience towing, including tows of six barges or more is preferred.
• Able to work a 14/7 schedule with 12-hour watches.
• USCG licensing and physical readiness required.

Responsibilities

• Navigate the vessel safely at all times.
• Supervise crew and monitor performance.
• Provide instruction on job duties and enforce safety policies.
• Manage vessel budget and cost efficiency under the Crew Endurance Management System.
• Maintain log entries and radio watch.
• Coordinate with USCG, port authorities, and train crew as needed.

Skills

Crew supervision

Navigation

Safety compliance

Education

Master of Towing Vessels – Western Rivers (Inland Waters/Near Coastal)

Job description

Job Title: Fleet Wheelman

Company: American Commercial Barge Line

Location: Port Allen, Tri Fleet (Louisiana)

Job Type: Full-Time

Are you ready to steer your career in an exciting new direction? ACBL, a leader in U.S. marine transportation, is on the lookout for skilled Captains and Pilots to join our fleet vessels in Port Allen and Tri-Fleet. With ACBL, you'll navigate challenging waters, lead a top-notch crew, and play a vital role in safeguarding our people, cargo, and the environment. This role follows a 14/7 schedule (14 days on, 7 days off) with 12-hour watches, offering you both adventure and balance.

When you join ACBL...

American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River. We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team.

What you will be doing... Your IMPACT

• Ensure that work completed during his/her watch is done in accordance with Company safety policies and practices
• Navigate the vessel safely at all times
• Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance
• Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer
• Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any hazards associated with said cargoes. CFR 35.05-15b
• Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the Crew Endurance Management System onboard all vessels
• Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel's budget
• Complete required log entries
• Maintain radio watch as required
• Report Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDC) barges at pick-up, drop-off, and designated mile points to the Inland River Vessel Movement Center
• Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand
• Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures
• Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed
• Provide instructions and information to crew members, ACBL land-based personnel, USCG or lock personnel

What we are looking for...

You will need to have:

• A valid Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license (Inland Waters or Near Coastal endorsement required)
• Experience with towing operations, ideally with tows of six barges or more
• Ability to work a 14/7 schedule with 12-hour watches
• Physical capability to navigate vessel stairs, work in all weather, and pilot crew boats as needed
• A valid TWIC card, driver's license, and ability to travel to/from vessel or training locations
• Up-to-date USCG licensing and physical examination clearance

Reasons you will love working at ACBL ...

• Competitive Pay and Benefits: Enjoy a strong hourly wage and a comprehensive benefits package.
• On-the-Job Training: Grow your skills with hands‑on training and development opportunities.
• Safety‑Focused Culture: Work within a company that prioritizes safety for all employees.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with a 401(k) that includes an employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access resources to support your well‑being.
• Meaningful Work: Be part of essential maritime operations that make a difference in our nation's transportation network.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.