Wheelman

JOB TITLE:                  Master, Relief Captain, Pilot              

DEPARTMENT:           Vessel            

FLSA STATUS:            Exempt        

SUPERVISION:

Reports to:                    C.O.O., V.P. of Operations, Operations Manager, Port Captain

Supervises:                   Tankerman, Deckhands

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned areas by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Master, Relief Captain and Pilot are the managers of the vessel including all barges attached.  The Master, Relief Captain and Pilot are responsible for the crew’s adherence to all United States Coast Guard and company policies.  The Master, Relief Captain and Pilot are to navigate safely, supervise the crew, oversee safety programs, comply with rules and regulations pertaining to the towing of vessels and protect the environment.  The Master, Relief Captain and Pilot take work assignments from the Operation 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 and 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.

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Learning and Training Requirements

• 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.
• Attend and successfully complete company training on new procedures and operations such as vapor recovery, benzene regulations, and fire fighting.
• Attend company training on new procedures.
• Provide navigation experience to senior crewmembers.
• Provide orientation to new employees and training for all crewmembers.
• Organize periodic operational meetings including safety, quality system, and other company-related topics.
• Provide briefings to crew on customer requirements.

 Safety and Rescue Requirements                    

• Ensure safe, working conditions and orderliness to the vessel.
• Ensure safe, sanitary living and working conditions for the crew.
• Ensure that company safety rules and environmental regulations are being followed.
• Establish good morale, personal hygiene, and efficiency of the crew.
• Wear safety equipment as required, including steel-toed shoes, foul weather gear, gloves, boots, and respirators to protect against cargo contact.
• Ensure safe operation of the vessel, the safety of the crew and safety of any visitor at all times and in all weather conditions.
• Assist in safety and rescue operations in emergency situations.
• Assist in emergency fire fighting.
• Physically pull or assist pulling a 200-300 lb. man from the water.

 Inspecting, Record-Keeping and Verifying Requirements

• Ensure that all barge and vessel documentation is on board, is current and is located
  on the proper vessel.
• Maintain the vessel log (towing job, actions, speed, and times).
• Approve requisitions for equipment, material, repairs, supplies and food.
• Verify barge manifest.
• Conduct the primary investigation of all injuries, illnesses, and accidents, and complete
  necessary forms and reports.
• Conduct a monthly physical inspection of the vessel, observing, for example, safety equipment, fire fighting equipment, licenses and other documentation.

 Minimum Job Qualifications:

• Navigate vessel safely by properly operating navigational controls, propulsion, engines, gears, mechanical and electrical equipment under various environmental conditions.
• Read – read office updates, procedure manuals, safety memos, federal and state documents, manifests, and requisitions.
• Write – keeps the vessel logs, completes checklists, and takes written exams as required by the company and/ or governmental agencies.
• Interpret, understand and use maps and charts.
• Communicate with Dispatcher, crewmembers, other Masters, Relief Captains, Pilots, Port Engineers, Coast Guard Inspectors and others.
• Direct crew to complete actions and follow regulations in a safe, efficient manner.
• Resolve disputes among crewmembers.
• Maintain morale of crewmembers.
• Consider many conditions, including weather, vessel and waterway characteristics, traffic, and the abilities of the crew in the making of quick, effective decisions about navigation and the operation of the vessel.
• Evaluate and treat minor medical conditions and injuries within the scope of his or her knowledge and abilities.
• Remain calm during challenging situations and set the “tone” for the safe, positive, efficient functioning of all members of the crew.
• Posses a United States Coast Guard Boat License and/ or marine document for vessel operated.
• Posses a TWIC Card.
• Posses a valid driver’s license for operation of any of the company’s vehicles.
• Demonstrate leadership by persuading others to perform work because they want to do it.
• Be mentally and physically stable under pressure and withstand the stress associated with the job, including discomfort, unpredictable weather and potentially hazardous situations.
• Work aboard vessel for prolonged periods according to work schedule for the vessel, for example: 28 days on and 14 days off or 20 days on and 10 days off.
• Work shifts of 6 hours around the clock and work additional hours if necessary. An individual licensed to operate a towing vessel may not work for more than 12 hours in a consecutive 24-hour period except in an emergency.
• Maintain vigilance during 6-hour shift in the wheelhouse.
• Willing to work, as operations require, including additional days.
• Live in close quarters and be able to work away from home for long periods of time.
• Be drug and alcohol free while on company property during course and scope of company business.

LANGUAGE SKILLS                                                     

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS                                             

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY                                                  

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

To view physical requirements, please visit www.blessey.com/careers

Blessey Marine Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace