ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Trainee Barge Master Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge. * Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS ... Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing * Must have sufficient ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL · On-site

Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge. * Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS ... Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing * Must have sufficient ...

Ergon, Inc

Fuel Boat Pilot

East Alton, IL

Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge. * Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS ... Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing * Must have sufficient ...

Evansville Marine Service

Deckhand

Henderson, KY · On-site

Responsible for informing the Master-on-Duty of any unsafe or hazardous conditions on the vessel ... Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees. * Conduct daily safety ...

Evansville Marine Service

Deckhand

Henderson, KY · On-site

Responsible for informing the Master-on-Duty of any unsafe or hazardous conditions on the vessel ... Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees. * Conduct daily safety ...

Energy Transfer

Terminal Operator Trainee

Milford, IA · On-site

Sunoco LPis a leading energy infrastructure and fuel distribution master limited partnership ... Assists with barge receipts and delivers as instructed. * Operates forklifts and other machinery as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBarge Master JobsTrainee Barge Master Jobs

Trainee Barge Master information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee barge master jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee barge master in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Barge Master vs Deckhand?

AspectTrainee Barge MasterDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, relevant maritime certificationsSTCW Basic Safety, basic maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard barges, overseeing operations under supervisionOnboard vessels, assisting with deck duties
ResponsibilitiesLearning navigation, safety, and operational proceduresMaintaining deck equipment, cargo handling

The Trainee Barge Master and Deckhand roles both operate in maritime environments, but the Trainee Barge Master is focused on learning operational management and navigation, while the Deckhand handles deck maintenance and cargo tasks. The Trainee Barge Master is a stepping stone towards becoming a qualified Barge Master, requiring specific certifications and training, whereas the Deckhand role is more entry-level with basic safety and deck duties.

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 offshore project managers, with salaries increasing with experience, certifications, and responsibility level. Positions such as Marine Directors or Chief Officers on large vessels can also command high compensation, especially in the oil and gas or cruise industries.

What is the salary of accommodation barge master?

The salary of a trainee barge master varies depending on the employer, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per month. Compensation often includes accommodation and benefits, and the role requires maritime certifications and safety training. Experienced barge masters can earn higher salaries with additional responsibilities.

How much do barge masters make?

Barge masters typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the vessel. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in offshore or specialized environments.

How much does a barge mate make?

A barge mate typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the company. The role requires knowledge of navigation, safety procedures, and vessel operations, often supported by certifications such as STCW. Compensation may also include overtime and benefits based on the employer.
More about Trainee Barge Master jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Barge Master jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Barge Master job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Barge Master jobs? The most popular types of Barge Master jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Barge Master jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Barge Master jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Barge Master jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Barge Master jobs are:
Trainee Barge Master jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Barge Master job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 28% Internship, 70% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Harbor Boat Pilot, Vicksburg, MS

Harbor Boat Pilot, Vicksburg, MS

Ergon, Inc

Vicksburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Ergon Inc. rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Harbor Boat Pilot

Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a full time Harbor Boat Pilot at its Vicksburg location.

If you are a hard-working person who likes to help others and be proud of the physical work that you accomplish, then this might be a job that you would enjoy. EMIS services vessels and tows and this job allows you to be a part of that support of the river crews.

Ergon is a family-owned oil and gas company based in the Jackson, MS area with facilities across the US. EMIS is a subsidiary with facilities that support marine traffic up and down the Mississippi River. Our facilities are located in Vicksburg, MS, Memphis, TN, and Wood River, IL.

Ergon offers a competitive benefits package: 401(k) Matching, Health, Life, Dental, Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Tuition Assistance, and Profit Sharing

The Harbor Boat Pilot ensures the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel and tow in a manner that complies with company policy, U. S. Coast Guard rules and regulations and federal, state, and local laws. Assist Fuel Boat Pilot in overseeing EMIS operations when upper management is not available.

Harbor Boat Pilot Responsibilities include the following:

  • Ensure that company policy, rules and regulations are followed.

  • Report violations of EMIS company policy or violations of federal, state or local laws.

  • Ensure deck crew are performing their duties.

  • Inspect all areas of vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance and a clean vessel is ready for voyage.

  • Provide customer service according to the EMIS Mission Statement.

  • Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge.

  • Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS vessels and docks are using Proper PPE.

  • Assist other operations as required by management.

  • Maintain EMIS fleets and equipment while documenting fleet check once every six hours or according to MARSEC levels.

  • Inspect all barges according to the Dry Cargo/Chemical Barge Inspection Report, notify a supervisor immediately of any damage and take appropriate measures to ensure safety.

  • Responsible for reviewing the tow orders and determining whether the boat is of sufficient horsepower.

  • Report incidents immediately to appropriate supervisor and enter in vessel logs.

  • Order supplies as needed.

  • Ensure fire extinguishers are recharged or refilled as required for each type of extinguisher.

  • Ensure fire hose with nozzle is at each fire station.

  • Ensure dewatering pumps are on board the vessel and ready for use.

  • Ensure adequate number of approved life preservers are on board.

  • Ensure adequate quantity of first aid supplies onboard the vessel.

  • Ensure crewmembers are properly trained in emergency procedures including fire drills.

  • Chip, Buff, Prime and paint vessel and equipment as needed.

  • Complete Towing Vessel Record in TowWorks each shift which includes the following:

    • Engine Room Log
    • Fuel Operations Log
    • Pre-Sail Check List

    When a Harbor Boat Pilot is assigned the task of training an upcoming pilot the current pilot is considered the "Master of the Vessel" and is responsible for and will be held accountable for the actions of the trainee in the performance of their duties.

    Captain is required to have a safety briefing with crew prior to engaging in any barge tow work, barge movement activity or fuel transfers. This briefing must be documented in the towing vessel record.

Harbor Boat Pilot Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Must have a U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing

  • Must have sufficient time with EMIS to prove competence and leadership skills as determined by the Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company

  • Must be able to swim

  • Valid TWIC Card (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)

  • Must have a valid driver's license

We are an EEO/AAP employer.

Position: Harbor Boat Pilot


Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro

What Ergon Inc. employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom