The primary responsibility of this position is assisting the captain with towing, docking, and unloading of barge and other vessels, from port to port. Other duties include steering, operating, pushing, and pulling of barges as directed by the captain to its perspective destinations and/or berths. Mate is responsible for the safety of the vessel and crew while docked, as well as for the safe movement and navigation of the vessel and their tows while underway. While towing, the Mates attention is focused on water depth, weather, surging and other traffic, keeping the tow wire, which at times is at great length, clear of the bottom, navigational aids, and other vessels. The Second Mate also assists with supervision of the crew. The Mate assists the Captain and maintains the crew in matters of safety, seamanship, maintenance, navigation, and other duties as directed by the Captain. Mate directly operates winches, engines, generators and electrical systems along with wheel house navigational electronics and devices. The Mate is supervised by the Captain and reports to the Shoreside Port Captain.

• Minimum of two years vessel experience as a Deckhand, Deckhand/Engineer or licensed deck officer experience.
• Must have a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Document or Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Must have a minimum USCG 1600 GT Mate upon Oceans License with Mate of Towing Vessels upon Oceans and STCW 2010.
• Must possess a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must have a valid U.S. Passport.
• Must possess and maintain valid state driver’s license.
• Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.

About The Author: Laura Rosenberg