Kirby Ocean Transport Company operates a small fleet of offshore dry-bulk barge and tugboat units which primarily transport coal across the Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to Florida under a term contract with a large Florida utility company.  

Kirby Ocean Transport also moves coal, fertilizer, sugar and other bulk cargoes on a short-term basis between domestic ports and occasionally the transportation of grain from domestic ports to locations in the Caribbean Sea.

The AB is responsible to the Captain and Mate to assist in loading, discharging and maintenance of the boat and barge in accordance with regulatory and labor agreement requirements.  Duties include, but are not limited to, inspecting and maintaining safety and lifesaving equipment; maintaining decks, bulkheads and other outside and inside surfaces of the vessel; inspecting, maintaining and operating deck machinery, structures, gear and fittings; assists in loading dry cargoes, vessel stores and equipment.  Handles lines and cables during docking and undocking, making ready for sea and communicating information during all activities via radio.

• Familiarity with documented Company policies and procedures.
• Comply with safety procedures and work rules, including the proper wearing of personal protective equipment.
• Attach and remove lines and cables to/from the vessel, barge, docks and locks.
• Assists in docking, undocking, loading, discharging and other operations under direction of wheelhouse.
• Properly and legibly complete, submit and maintain paperwork as well as barge logs, work requests, requisitions, inspection reports and any paperwork as required.
• Perform preventative maintenance, cleaning and repair of barge machinery spaces and systems within his/her capability.
• Ensure that the Captain and other crew are informed of any scheduled maintenance items that are beyond his/her ability to complete, or items deferred for any reason.
• Review and maintain barge documentation and certificates, notifying the appropriate shore-side manager of any deficiencies.

The responsibilities outlined above cannot totally encompass or define all tasks, which may be required of the position holder. The outline of responsibilities given above may, therefore, vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility of the position.

Experience

 ·      Experience in Commercial Boating (i.e. towboat, tugboat, commercial fishing, oilfield, heavy equipment operations, commercial farming and/or shipyard is preferred)

 ·        Basic computer skills knowledge required.

 ·        12 months of consecutive work experience.

Education

·        High School or GED required

Work Conditions

·        Work schedule is 28 days on/ 14 days off

·        Must be able to work in inclement weather outdoor, heat and cold

·        Must be able live and work in close quarters and able to spend a length of time away from family

·        Must be willing and able to attend paid required training on and off scheduled work time.

·        Must have reliable transportation and be able to drive to/from company defined hub cities.

Compensation

·        $347/day, plus OT and benefits (medical/dental/vision/401k, etc.)

Qualifications, Competencies and Certification Requirements

·       Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as AB with Basic Safety Training

·       Valid USCG Medical Certificate required

·        Valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) required

·        Minimum 360 days of sea time required

·        STCW compliant preferred

·        Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K)

·        Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 15

·        Must possess a valid driver’s license

·        Valid social security card required

·        Must be 18 years of age

·        Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years

·        Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years

·        Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation

·        Must be able to read and write English

·        Ability to understand written and verbal orders

Physical Requirements

·        Walk – Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day

·        Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal

·        Reach - Must be able to extend arms fully throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane (i.e., throwing and catching lines)

·        Climb - Must be able to climb a 90-degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet

·        Grip/Hold/Pull – Must be able to grip, hold and pull 50lbs.

·        Lift – Must be able to lift 50-75lbs. and carry it approximately 500 feet

·        Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners document. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye corrected to 20/40 in each eye

·        Hearing – Must meet minimum standards, as per USCG requirements

·        Speech - Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood using handheld radios or other devices, as required

·        Smell – Must possess a sense of smell to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous vapors

·        Pulmonary Functions - Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 80%

·        General - Must be able to enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergency.

·        Equipment - Must be able to wear PVC foul weather gear, rubber gloves and boots. Ability to use firefighting equipment.