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Barge Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Push boat Captain Status: Full-time, Rotational Schedule Company: Host Crewing, LLC Reports To: UBT ... Ensure daily barge inspection/checklists are being conducted and completed in HELM * Prepare for ...

Push boat Captain Status: Full-time, Rotational Schedule Company: Host Crewing, LLC Reports To: UBT ... Ensure daily barge inspection/checklists are being conducted and completed in HELM * Prepare for ...

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

Incumbents are responsible for the Tugboat and Barge while these vessels are underway going to or ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

Push boat Captain Status: Part-time Company: Host Crewing, LLC Reports To: UBT Davant Port Captain ... Ensure daily barge inspection/checklists are being conducted and completed in HELM * Prepare for ...

Barge Engineer

Abbeville, LA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Barge Engineer Broussard Brothers, Inc. offers competitive pay, health, dental, and vision ... regulations while coordinating with the captain, tugboat, or shore base on navigation ...

Tugboat Captain YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to ... The vessel typically pushes one barge, and at times may push two, depending on the work involved.

Tugboat Captain YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to ... The vessel typically pushes one barge, and at times may push two, depending on the work involved.

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

Overview Responsible for the safe transportation of the assigned barge(s) and for the safety of the ... Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ...

Captain

Portland, OR

$780 - $875/hr

Responsible for the safe transportation of the assigned barge(s) and for the safety of the cargo ... Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug. * Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a ...

The Captain works closely with project management, crane operators, barge crews, and field supervision to safely maneuver barges, transport materials and equipment, assist with marine construction ...

The Captain works closely with project management, crane operators, barge crews, and field supervision to safely maneuver barges, transport materials and equipment, assist with marine construction ...

Licensed Boat Captain

New York, NY · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

100-ton /Near Coastal Captain with at least 2 years experience. Must be able to handle single and ... Miller's Launch and its affiliated companies Miller Marine, Miller's Tug and Barge and Miller ...

Showing results 21-40

Barge Captain information

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$7

$21

$48

How much do barge captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge captain in the United States is $21.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a barge captain?

Barge Captains are licensed maritime professionals responsible for operating and navigating barges, which are large, flat-bottomed vessels used to transport cargo on rivers, canals, and other waterways. They oversee the crew, ensure the safety of the vessel, and manage the safe loading and unloading of goods. Barge Captains also monitor weather and water conditions, maintain compliance with regulations, and handle emergency situations if they arise. Their role is critical to the efficient and safe movement of bulk materials such as coal, grain, or petroleum.

What are some common challenges that barge captains face during daily operations, and how can these be managed?

Barge Captains often encounter challenges such as navigating difficult waterways, managing crew safety, and responding to changing weather conditions. Effective communication with crew members and shore-based teams is crucial for smooth operations. Keeping up-to-date with navigation systems, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements helps minimize risks. Successful Barge Captains are proactive in planning routes, maintaining vessel equipment, and fostering a team-oriented environment to manage operational challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barge captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Barge Captain, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel operations, safety regulations, and often a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with navigation systems like GPS, radar, and electronic chart display systems, as well as required certifications such as TWIC and First Aid/CPR, is essential. Leadership, decisiveness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing crews and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient transport of cargo and the wellbeing of crew and vessel on inland waterways.

What is the difference between Barge Captain vs Tugboat Captain?

AspectBarge CaptainTugboat Captain
CertificationsSTCW certification, Coast Guard licensesSTCW certification, Coast Guard licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates barges on inland and offshore waterwaysOperates tugboats, often assisting ships or barges
Industry UsageShipping, construction, oil & gas industriesShipping, port operations, offshore support

Both Barge Captains and Tugboat Captains require similar certifications and work in maritime environments. Barge Captains primarily oversee barge operations on waterways, while Tugboat Captains operate tugboats to assist larger vessels or move barges. Their roles are distinct but complementary within maritime and shipping industries.

More about Barge Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Barge Captain jobs? Cities with the most Barge Captain job openings:
What states have the most Barge Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Barge Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Barge Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Barge Captain jobs are:
Infographic showing various Barge Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Experienced Inland Tank Barge PIC

Kirby Corporation

Channelview, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Tank Barge PIC prepare barges for the loading and discharging of cargoes, and perform all loading and discharging activities. They build tow by handling lines and cables to tie and untie barges and boats. Tank Barge PIC connect and disconnect transfer hoses. They perform scheduled vessel maintenance care for tools and equipment, and perform general housekeeping duties as assigned by their supervisor. They adhere to company safety policies and procedures and governmental regulations. They work under the supervision of the Captain/Master.  


Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Adhere to Company safety policies and procedures.
  • Perform scheduled vessel maintenance. Perform general housekeeping duties on vessel and barge.
  • Adhere to Government regulations and environmental rules.
  • Build tow by handling lines and cables to tie and untie barges and boats.
  • Make minor repairs to boats and barges.
  • Train deckhands to become Tankerman.
  • Prepare barges for loading and discharging cargo.
  • Load and discharge barges and vessel fuels/lubes.
  • Connect and disconnect transfer hose(s).
  • Care for tools and equipment for boat and barges.
  • Work as directed by Captain/Master or Wheelman on Watch.
  • Expected to progress according to Company training programs.
  • Expected to further his/her education by attending and successfully completing sponsored tankerman training.

Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Adhere to Company safety policies and procedures.
  • Perform scheduled vessel maintenance. Perform general housekeeping duties on vessel and barge.
  • Adhere to Government regulations and environmental rules.
  • Build tow by handling lines and cables to tie and untie barges and boats.
  • Make minor repairs to boats and barges.
  • Train deckhands to become Tankerman.
  • Prepare barges for loading and discharging cargo.
  • Load and discharge barges and vessel fuels/lubes.
  • Connect and disconnect transfer hose(s).
  • Care for tools and equipment for boat and barges.
  • Work as directed by Captain/Master or Wheelman on Watch.
  • Expected to progress according to Company training programs.
  • Expected to further his/her education by attending and successfully completing sponsored tankerman training.