Vessel Pilot

Canal Barge Company; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Canal Barge Company and Illinois Marine Towing seek an Inland Vessel Pilot to operate inland towing vessels with safety, regulatory compliance, and strong leadership. The role offers a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation or a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation, with 12-hour shifts and a requirement for a USCG license.

Candidates must demonstrate navigation expertise, rigorous safety standards, and the ability to supervise crew while maintaining logs, reporting, and environmental protection.

Qualifications

• Must hold a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential for the applicable vessel and routes.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional credentials: TWIC.
• Strong safety mindset and risk awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Report unsafe conditions to the Master and take preventive action.
• Navigate and pilot the vessel safely.
• Maintain vessel seaworthiness and tow condition.
• Ensure crew safety on board.
• Comply with laws, COI, and company policies.
• Maintain logs and reports accurately.

Skills

Maritime navigation

Leadership

Decision making under pressure

Communication

Safety compliance

Detail orientation

Education

Merchant Mariner Credential (USCG)

High School Diploma or equivalent

TWIC

Tools

Microsoft Office

RosePoint

TowWorks

Egnyte

Job description

I. BASIC FUNCTION

The Inland Vessel Pilot is responsible for operating Illinois Marine Towing vessels safely and efficiently while transporting barges. This requires strict adherence to safety protocols and physical readiness to work in a demanding maritime environment.

The work schedule follows either a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation (Line Boat) or a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation (Fleet Boat), working 12-hour shifts.

All Pilots must possess a current U.S. Coast Guard license appropriate for the vessel, route, and service.

While on watch and in the absence of the Master, the Pilot exercises the authority of the Master.

II. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Responsible for reporting any relevant vessel condition information, especially unsafe conditions of the boat, tow, and any associated equipment to the Master and take action to prevent accidents.
• 2. Responsible for the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel
• 3. Maintaining vessel seaworthiness and condition of the vessel tow
• 4. Ensuring the safety of all crew members and passengers on board.
• 5. Preventing environmental incidents and upholding environmental protection standards.
• 6. Compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including the Certificate of Inspection (COI) of the vessel.
• 7. Compliance with the policies and procedures of Canal Barge Company and Illinois Marine Towing.
• 8. Maintaining accurate and timely completion of required logs and reports.
• 9. Complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies, and reporting any violations to management.
• 10. Performing bridge administration tasks as required.
• 11. Supporting cost control measures, supervising crew members, and contributing to on-the-job training initiatives.
• 12. The Pilot may be subject to inclement weather (snow, ice, extreme heat, rain, fog, etc.) and may be required to perform job duties the same or similar to the crew under the same or similar working conditions.
• 13. Pilots’ work may be performed in rough waters and unstable footing conditions.
• Other 1. Perform other duties as required and directed by management.
• 2. Carry out the Business Philosophy, Code of Conduct, Mission and Vision of Illinois Marine Towing and Canal Barge Company.

III. TRAITS & ATTRIBUTES

• A. Operational Expertise: Ability to proficiently operate and navigate an inland vessel by applying comprehensive knowledge of maritime systems, navigation techniques, vessel handling, and regulatory compliance in varying conditions and waterways.
• B. Decision-Making skills: Ability to quickly assess situations, evaluate options, and make effective and timely choices under pressure to ensure safe and efficient vessel operation.
• C. Communication Skills: The ability to convey and receive information clearly, accurately, and professionally with crew members, port authorities, and other vessels to maintain safety, coordination, and operational clarity.
• D. Leadership Skills: Ability to guide, supervise, and motivate a vessel's crew effectively, fostering teamwork, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and maintaining discipline and morale on board.
• E. Attention to Detail: Capability of being thorough and accurate in performing tasks, including monitoring instruments, checking procedures, maintaining records, and ensuring all aspects of vessel operations meet regulatory and safety standards.

IV. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Inland Vessel Pilot is appointed by and reports to the IMT Marine Superintendent.

V. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• 1. Possess a Merchant Mariner Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard appropriate for the route. Pilot of Towing Vessels, at minimum, with endorsements for Western Rivers, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters preferred.
• 2. Possess a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 3. Exhibit a commitment to safety and risk mitigation.
• 4. Have strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• 5. Basic experience or knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Office, RosePoint, TowWorks, and Egnyte.
• 6. Hold a valid Driver's License.
• 7. Possess a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• 8. Prior experience navigating the Illinois River (preferred).

VI. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• 1. Repetitive bending, stooping and twisting.
• 2. Climbing ladders & stairs.
• 3. Must be able to push and pull 50 pounds.
• 4. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

VII. OUTCOMES

By embodying the values and fulfilling the responsibilities outlined above, the Inland Vessel Pilot contributes to reliable, high-quality operations. Success in this role supports a collaborative and efficient work environment, allowing the Vessel Master to focus on strategic priorities and ensuring that vessel operations are executed with professionalism and consistency in alignment with IMT and CBC’s culture.

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.