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Barge Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bristol Bay Fuels

Mate

Kenai, AK · On-site

The Mate position supervises and coordinates activities of crew aboard tugboat. Essential Duties ... Tug and Barge experience required. * Valid Driver's License is required. * Transportation Worker ...

Foss Maritime Company

2nd/3rd Mate Oceans

Seattle, WA

$720/day

... tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and ... What We're Looking For * 500 Ton Mate Near Coastal/Oceans or 3rd Mate Unlimited. * Valid Merchant ...

American Commercial Barge Line

Trip Pilot

Harahan, LA · On-site

American Commercial Barge Line Location: Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Convent, LA ... Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand. * Comply with all established ...

Buchanan Marine LP

Deckhand

New Haven, CT · On-site

Stand a proper lookout watch when directed by the Master or Mate. * Assist with tug and barge shifting evolutions; assist in dropping, spotting, and switching barges at docks. * Assist the vessel and ...

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Barge Mate information

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How much do barge mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge mate in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Barge Mate vs Deckhand?

AspectBarge MateDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Marine Deck License (if required)STCW Basic Safety, Marine Deck License (if required)
Work EnvironmentSupervises deck crew, oversees barge operations, safety managementPerforms general deck duties, maintenance, and assist in navigation
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime shipping, barge companies, inland waterwaysMaritime industry, shipping companies, inland waterways

The Barge Mate and Deckhand roles both require safety certifications and work in maritime environments. The Barge Mate typically supervises deck crew and oversees barge operations, while the Deckhand performs hands-on maintenance and assists with navigation. Both positions are essential in inland and maritime shipping industries, with the Barge Mate holding more supervisory responsibilities.

What is a barge mate?

Barge Mates are licensed maritime professionals who assist in the operation and management of barges, particularly on rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. They typically serve as second-in-command to the captain or barge master, overseeing deck crew, cargo operations, and safety procedures. Barge Mates are responsible for ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, supervising the loading and unloading of cargo, and helping to navigate the vessel. Their role is essential for the safe and efficient transport of goods by water. To become a Barge Mate, one usually needs maritime training and relevant certifications.

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

To thrive as a Barge Mate, you need strong knowledge of navigation, vessel operations, safety regulations, and typically a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with appropriate endorsements. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, communication equipment, and safety management systems is also essential. Leadership, teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating crew and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining efficient, safe, and compliant barge operations on inland or coastal waterways.

What are some common challenges a barge mate faces in managing crew safety and vessel operations?

Barge Mates are responsible for overseeing the safety and efficiency of cargo operations, which often involves coordinating a diverse crew and maintaining compliance with maritime regulations. One common challenge is ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed, especially during hazardous weather or when handling dangerous cargo. Additionally, Barge Mates must quickly address any mechanical or operational issues that arise to prevent delays and potential hazards. Effective communication and leadership are essential for managing these challenges and ensuring smooth vessel operations.
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What job categories do people searching Barge Mate jobs look for?

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Barge Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Barge Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,291 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Mate

Bristol Bay Fuels

Kenai, AK • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

General Description:
The Mate position supervises and coordinates activities of crew aboard tugboat.
Essential Duties & Job Functions:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ensure safe and efficient navigation of the vessel.
  • Maintain a safe working environment throughout vessel operations.
  • Inspects towing gear and lifesaving equipment, and orders crew to repair or replace defective equipment.
  • Directs activities of crew engaged in cleaning and painting of boat.
  • Stands watch during specified periods, and determines geographical position of boat upon request of Tugboat Master, using loran and azimuths of celestial bodies.
  • Steers tugboat, upon request of Tugboat Master, to push or pull barges to destination and to berth and unberth ships, avoiding hazards to navigation.
  • Utilizing navigation devices.
  • Assume command of tugboat in the event that the Tugboat Master becomes incapacitated.
  • Ensure crew members are provided with information to adhere to Maritime Regulations.
  • Direct crew in recordkeeping and regular safety drills.
  • Supervise crewmembers in their onboard duties.
  • Open communication with company representatives and on-site supervisors.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Outlook and Word.
  • Ability to apply skill sets and demonstrate proven experience developing, improving and streamlining processes to meet established goals and objectives.
  • Ability to effectively manage projects that may vary in nature and scope.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and severe outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Hearing protection and the use of safety eyewear is required in most working situations.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • MOBILITY: While performing the duties of this job, the employee uses computers on a daily basis. He/she is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific physical requirements include, but are not limited to, stooping, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing and performing repetitive motions. Employee must be able to exert up 15 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
  • HEARING: The employee frequently is required to talk or hear while answering phones, working with customers, clients, supervisors, etc.
  • VISUAL ACUITY: Must be adequate to perform above listed tasks in a safe manner. Ability to see and complete work on a personal computer and read color coded writing on equipment forms, etc.

Contingencies:
Offer contingent upon ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work at any time without prior notice.
Bristol Alliance Fuels (BAF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Bristol Alliance Fuels grants employment preference first to BBNC shareholders, their spouses or descendants, and second to other Alaska Native Corporation Shareholders in accordance with P.L. 93-638.
Required Qualifications:
  • USCG License (Master or Mate of Towing) is required.
  • Radar Unlimited course is required
  • Tug and Barge experience required.
  • Valid Driver's License is required.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is required

Preferred Qualifications:
  • High school Diploma or GED is preferred.
  • Experience in operating vessel in Alaska is preferred
  • Near Coastal routes preferred

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