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Barge Inspector Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Stick Welder

Paducah, KY · On-site

$24/hr

Inspect welds for quality and make necessary repairs. * Operate hand and power tools associated with welding and fabrication. Preferred Qualifications * Previous experience in barge, shipyard, or ...

Coal Services Coordinator I, II or Sr.

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

This includes transportation and related services by the most optimum mix of rail, barge, truck or ... field inspections of suppliers, transportation and transloading facilities to ensure efficient ...

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Participate in all ... barge to the boat. * Carry a 40lb extinguisher up one or more flights of stairs. * Crawl on all ...

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Showing results 1-20

Barge Inspector information

See Kentucky salary details

$21.3K

$47.7K

$86K

How much do barge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for barge inspector in Kentucky is $47,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,400.00 and $55,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barge inspector?

To thrive as a Barge Inspector, you need comprehensive knowledge of marine regulations, vessel safety standards, and inspection protocols, usually supported by relevant maritime certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, digital reporting systems, and safety compliance software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure that barges meet legal and safety requirements, preventing accidents and maintaining operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Barge Inspector vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectBarge InspectorMarine Surveyor
CertificationsOften requires STCW certifications, safety training, and vessel-specific credentialsRequires certifications like USCG licenses, marine surveying credentials, and sometimes STCW
Work EnvironmentPrimarily on barges, docks, and ports, inspecting vessel condition and safety complianceFieldwork at ports, shipyards, and offshore sites, assessing vessel integrity and compliance
Industry UsageUsed mainly in inland and coastal shipping, oil & gas, and freight industriesApplied across shipping, offshore oil & gas, and maritime industries

While both roles involve vessel inspection and safety compliance, Barge Inspectors focus specifically on barges and inland waterways, whereas Marine Surveyors have a broader scope, inspecting various vessel types across maritime sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by a barge inspector during vessel assessments?

Barge Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, inspecting hard-to-reach areas, and ensuring compliance with complex safety and environmental regulations. They must communicate effectively with crew members and dock personnel to coordinate inspections without disrupting operations. Additionally, Barge Inspectors need to stay current on regulatory changes and use attention to detail to identify potential safety or maintenance issues, which is crucial for preventing costly incidents and ensuring the barge's seaworthiness.
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Barge Inspector jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Barge Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Barge Inspector job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,716 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Shore Tankerman (Louisville KY and Cincinnati OH)

American Commercial Barge Line

Louisville, KY • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


American Commercial Barge Line rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Shore Tankerman
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Are you a skilled and safety-conscious professional with a passion for the maritime industry? Join American Commercial Barge Line and be part of an organization committed to excellence, safety, and environmental responsibility. As a Shore Tankerman, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of liquid cargo between shore facilities and vessels. Join our team and be part of an organization committed to excellence, safety, and environmental responsibility.
When you join ACBL...American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River. We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team.
What you will be doing... YourIMPACT
  • Perform cargo transfer operations, including loading and unloading of liquid cargo between vessels and shore tanks in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols and regulations to ensure the protection of personnel, equipment, and the environment during cargo transfer activities.
  • Operate and maintain transfer equipment, hoses, pumps, and valves to ensure proper functioning and prevent downtime.
  • Maintain accurate records of cargo transfer activities, including cargo quantity, quality, and any incidents or issues encountered during operations.
  • Coordinate with vessel crew, shore personnel, and terminal operators to ensure smooth cargo transfer operations and resolve any operational challenges.
  • Be prepared to respond to emergencies and follow emergency procedures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.
  • Implement environmental protection measures to prevent spills and minimize the impact of cargo transfer operations on the environment.
  • Follow pre-transfer inspection requirements; execute pre-transfer conference and the Declaration of Inspection.
  • Perform minor repairs to barge equipment.

Job Qualifications - What You Will Bring to the ACBL Team
  • Valid and current MMD endorsed as Tankerman - PIC (Barge) Dangerous Liquids through USCG.
  • Must take yearly benzene physical and respirator fit test, be respirator fit at all times and clear fit testing annually.
  • Must be able to read and write to complete Declaration of Inspection and other required documents.
  • Must be able to read, speak and understand the English language as required by USCG CFR.
  • Must be able to perform barge inspections, audits and repairs when not conducting a transfer.
  • Must be able to operate PHD lite four stage gas meters, including maintenance, calibration, operation and reading interpretation.
  • Must possess and maintain an active TWIC.
  • Effectively use all safety equipment as required by ACBL policies, such as hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, flashlights, life jackets or work vest and steel-toed boots.
  • Excellent knowledge of safety procedures and regulations related to liquid cargo transfer.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work in various weather conditions and adapt to a flexible, on-call schedule.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL ...
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunity for career growth and advancement.
  • Training and development opportunities.
  • Safety-focused work culture.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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