Job Description

Barge Mate/Relief Captain - Regular Full-Time

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, load and unload vehicles on barge to be transported to and from Bald Head Island. Maintains general good housekeeping of the tug. Acts in a relief capacity for the Tug Captain during periods of absence, assuming full navigational and operational responsibilities. Will also be called upon to provide relief on the passenger ferry as Captain, ensuring the safe, efficient, and professional transport of passengers. Reports to the Towing Master.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

NOTE: The illustrative examples of work listed below are not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by the position. The examples are intended to represent the level and type of work performed. This list is not to be considered or represent an employment contract.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares vessel before operation by completing all required checklists, verifies fuel and fluid levels; starts engine and records any problems.
• Safely directs loading and unloading of equipment, supply trucks, and heavy construction equipment on the barge at the island and mainland landings, ensuring proper balance, trim, and stability of the barge.
• Inspects tug and barge to ensure safe and proper operation of equipment prior to loading.
• Operates barge ramp to allow access to and from the barge and the landing site.
• Operates a VHF marine band radio to communicate with marina and river traffic.
• Regularly participates in drills and exercises to meet USCG requirements for Man Overboard, Fire, Abandon Ship, Dewatering, Loss of Steering, Loss of Power, Anchoring, and Security.
• After operation, assists the Tug Captain by securing the vessel to the dock, performing all after-operations maintenance checks, cleaning the vessel, and shutting down systems.

Relief Tug Captain Responsibilities:

• Assumes full navigational command of the tug and barge in the absence of the Tug Captain ensuring safe vessel handling, proper barge positioning, and compliance with all Coast Guard regulations.
• Responsible for voyage planning, situational awareness, and making real-time decisions during docking, undocking, and transits under varying weather, tide, and current conditions.
• Provides leadership to the crew during tug operations, ensuring adherence to safety standards and operational procedures.
• Maintains communication with dispatch, shoreside personnel, and other vessels, exercising authority to act decisively in emergency situations.

Relief Passenger Ferry Captain Responsibilities:

• When assigned, serves as Captain on passenger ferries, assuming command of the vessel and responsibility for the safety of all passengers and crew.
• Ensures timely departures and arrivals while maintaining professional communication with crew, passengers, and shoreside staff.
• Provides clear safety briefings and direction to crew, ensuring passenger comfort and confidence throughout the voyage.
• Responds to onboard emergencies, coordinates evacuation procedures if necessary, and ensures compliance with all applicable safety and security regulations.
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills and professionalism as the direct representative of Bald Head Island Transportation.

Additional Functions:

• Operates vessel under Tug Captain’s direction and authorization, as needed.
• Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• One year of experience in the operation of a commercial truck or heavy equipment and some mechanical experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience to provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
• Must hold, at minimum, the following U.S. Coast Guard credentials/endorsements to serve in a relief captain capacity:
  • A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with:
    • Master or Mate of Towing Vessels (Inland)
    • Master 100 GRT (Inland)
  • Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) .
  • Valid USCG Medical Certificate .

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT(S)

• Satisfy drug testing requirements as mandated by Coast Guard regulations.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Requires the ability to work in extreme weather conditions: heat, cold, and rain and to remain standing for extended periods of time.
• Requires the ability to traverse stairs and ladders between decks on a rocking vessel.
• Required to enter enclosed compartments through hatches and scuttles and to work in hot, noisy environments adjacent to operating machinery, using appropriate safety equipment.
• Required to wear a personal flotation device at all times while on deck underway.
• First Aid and CPR training is required.
• Must provide a workable point of contact at all times before, during, and after the workday.

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