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Barge Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Captain

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$780 - $875/hr

Conduct inspections and monitor tug/barge maintenance activities. * Prepare written reports per company and regulatory agency directives. * Check and approve all requisitions and work orders. * Valid ...

Captain

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$875/wk

Conduct inspections and monitor tug/barge maintenance activities. * Prepare written reports per company and regulatory agency directives. * Check and approve all requisitions and work orders. * Valid ...

Barge Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$26K

$58.3K

$105K

How much do barge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for barge inspector in Portland, OR is $58,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $67,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

In the inspection field, specialized inspectors such as marine or industrial inspectors tend to earn higher salaries due to their technical expertise and certifications. Barge inspectors, a subset of marine inspectors, often earn more when they have extensive experience, advanced certifications, and work in high-risk or complex environments. Salary levels are also influenced by industry demand and geographic location.

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

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.

How much do barge workers get paid?

Barge inspectors and workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled workers with specialized knowledge of safety protocols and inspection tools may earn higher wages, often with opportunities for overtime and benefits.

What does a barge inspector do?

A barge inspector examines vessels used for transporting goods on waterways to ensure they meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. They inspect structural integrity, safety equipment, and compliance with industry regulations, often using tools like inspection checklists and requiring relevant certifications. Their work helps prevent accidents and maintain operational safety in maritime environments.

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 is the highest paying job in nautical science?

In nautical science, the highest paying roles are often senior maritime executives, ship captains, or specialized engineers, with captains earning the most due to their leadership and responsibility on large vessels. These positions typically require extensive experience, certifications such as a Master Mariner license, and often involve long periods at sea. Salaries can vary based on the vessel type, company, and geographic location but generally exceed other maritime roles.
What are popular job titles related to Barge Inspector jobs in Portland, OR? For Barge Inspector jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Barge Inspector job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,263 per year, or $28 per hour.
Captain

$780 - $875/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Responsible for the safe transportation of the assigned barge(s) and for the safety of the cargo, vessel(s), and crew. Required to perform administrative and supervisory functions.


  • Stands wheelhouse watches underway.
  • Direct crew in performance of drills.
  • Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and company policies and regulations.
  • Prepare, monitor, and update vessel work lists and maintenance schedules.
  • Assign work projects for crew.
  • Ensure all crewmen are performing their duties.
  • Purchases food for crew.
  • Prepare material requisitions and monitor usage of supplies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

  • Previous experience as a captain onboard a tug.
  • Must have a valid Coast Guard license with a radar observer endorsement.
  • Must have a valid first aid/CPR certificate.
  • Complete HAZWOPER training within 90 days of hire.
  • Possess a towing endorsement that qualifies you to tow oil barges.
  • Must be able to direct, evaluate, and correct performance of subordinates.
  • Must be capable of training mate and deck hand in the safe performance of their duties.
  • Must be able to fairly evaluate subordinates.
  • Ability to learn and make application of safety awareness, injury prevention, and firefighting.
  • Conduct inspections and monitor tug/barge maintenance activities.
  • Prepare written reports per company and regulatory agency directives.
  • Check and approve all requisitions and work orders.
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English over telephone and/or radio.
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs.

  • Must be able to work independently and without direct supervision.
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Ability to get along with crew members in confined quarters for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis and physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.

  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules (two weeks on and two weeks off) and hours.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.

Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), US East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the U.S. Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, as well as operational oversight to the subsidiary companies.

Centerline Logistics offers competitive benefit and compensation packages. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.