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Trip Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Commericial

Trip Pilot

Jeffersonville, IN · On-site

Trip Pilot American Commercial Barge Line is seeking skilled individuals to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of vessels through challenging waterways.

American Commericial

Trip Pilot

Convent, LA · On-site

Trip Pilot American Commercial Barge Line is seeking skilled individuals to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of vessels through challenging waterways.

Integratedcooling

Tugboat Trip Pilot

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Tugboat Trip Pilot YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company ...

HFL 412 Marine Inc

Trip Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA · Remote

Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the environment. The primary responsibility is to navigate the vessel safely at all times, in all ...

Next Gen Logistics

Tugboat Trip Pilot

New Orleans, LA · Remote

Tugboat Trip Pilot YOUR COMPASS TO SUCCESS Your New Company: At NGL Companies we are committed to workplace safety. We are a trusted maritime transportation, construction and logistics company ...

HFL 412 Marine Inc

Trip Pilot

Point Pleasant, WV · On-site

Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the environment. The primary responsibility is to navigate the vessel safely at all times, in all ...

American Commercial Barge Line

Trip Pilot

Harahan, LA · On-site

Trip Pilot Company: American Commercial Barge Line Location: Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Convent, LA; Harahan, LA; Channelview, TX; Jeffersonville, IN Job Type: Full-Time Are you an ...

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow, including, but not limited to the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel and its tow, the ...

genesis

Trip Pilot Marine Vessels Inland

Houston, TX · On-site

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow, including, but not limited to the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel and its tow, the ...

Genesis Energy, L.P

$125 - $150/hr

The Trip Pilot shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel and its tow, including, but not limited to the safe navigation and piloting of the vessel and its tow, the ...

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Trip Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do trip pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for trip pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trip pilot?

A Trip Pilot is a professional mariner responsible for navigating vessels through specific waterways, such as rivers, canals, or coastal routes. They typically have specialized knowledge of local waterways, ensuring safe and efficient passage. Trip Pilots are often contracted for short-term assignments and may work on towboats, barges, or other commercial vessels. Their primary duties include steering the vessel, avoiding hazards, and complying with maritime regulations.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily routine of a trip pilot?

As a Trip Pilot, your primary responsibilities include safely navigating towboats or vessels along assigned routes, overseeing crew operations, and ensuring compliance with all maritime regulations and company policies. You will conduct pre-trip inspections, monitor navigational and weather conditions, manage emergencies if they arise, and communicate regularly with dispatchers and port authorities. Daily routines often vary based on river conditions and schedules, and you may spend extended periods onboard during a rotation. Collaboration with deckhands, engineers, and other pilots is essential to maintain smooth operations and crew safety. This role offers hands-on maritime experience and the opportunity to advance to senior pilot or captain positions with additional experience and credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the trip pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trip Pilot, you need in-depth knowledge of vessel navigation, river and waterway systems, and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with relevant endorsements, often supplemented by years of on-the-water experience. Familiarity with navigation and communication equipment, electronic chart systems, and safety protocols is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help ensure safe operations and effective coordination with crew members. These skills are crucial for maintaining vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient trip execution in dynamic maritime environments.

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Trip Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trip Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Contract, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Trip Pilot

American Commericial

Jeffersonville, IN • On-site

Other

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Trip Pilot

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking skilled individuals to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of vessels through challenging waterways. This position is available in Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Convent, LA; Harahan, LA; Channelview, TX; and Jeffersonville, IN.

As a Trip Pilot, you will:

  • Ensure that work completed during your watch is done in accordance with ACBL safety policies and practices.
  • Always navigate the vessel safely.
  • Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance.
  • Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer.
  • Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any hazards associated with said cargoes. CFR 35.05-15b.
  • Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the SMS (Safety Management System) and within that the Crew Endurance Management System onboard all vessels.
  • Participate in crew management, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel's budget.
  • Complete required log entries.
  • Maintain radio watch as required.
  • Report Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDC) barges at pick-up, drop-off, and designated mile points to the Inland River Vessel Movement Center.
  • Enforce all rules.
  • Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand.
  • Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures.
  • Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed.
  • Provide instructions and information to crew members, ACBL land-based personnel, USCG or lock personnel.

You will need to have:

  • Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license required.
  • Must have experience running on the Lower Mississippi River 30+ loaded barges.
  • Must meet USCG physical examination requirements.
  • Must be able to travel to and from vessel / training locations via air or car travel.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Must be able to work 6 hours on 6 hours off watch.
  • Must have experience pushing barges (tows of 20 or more preferred).
  • Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel.
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must maintain valid USCG licensing.
  • Be able to maintain an active TWIC.

Even better if you have:

  • Experience pushing 20+ barges.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • A collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Comprehensive training and career development opportunities.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Commitment to safety and employee well-being

Apply