Barge Inspector

About the role

This shoreside job primarily involves performing make-ready activities, including barge inspections, special transfer operations, cargo stripping operations, and internal barge inspections. The job does not require service as a crew member for the operation of any specific vessel.

Responsibilities

• Barge inspections
• Special transfer operations
• Cargo stripping operations
• Internal barge inspections
• Barge pressure readings
• Inspect drip pans
• Inspect void tanks
• Inspect tool tightness of all fittings, bolts, and dogs on cargo and void tanks
• Barge endorsements and certificates
• Housekeeping inspections, including slip-trip hazards and trash
• Prepare supporting documents including barge inspection forms and stripping logs
• Notify Make Ready Supervisor & Traffic of discrepancies found during barge inspections
• Indicate discrepancies found during barge inspections on appropriate forms
• Security awareness responsibility
• Barge pump engine repairs
• Barge topside repairs
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• One year of experience in the marine industry or with similar job functions
• Active Driver’s License
• Current Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Qualifications

• Organized, detail-oriented, and multi-tasking oriented
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Self-motivated
• Ability to safely perform tasks wearing required Personal Protective Equipment, including steel toe shoes, hard hat, goggles, ear protection, gloves, and full-face respirator

Skills

• Safety Procedures and Practices: Understanding and implementing safety protocols, including emergency procedures, hazardous material handling, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Identifying and resolving issues related to barge safety, equipment, and cargo operations, requiring critical thinking and analytical abilities
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintaining detailed inspection records, documenting findings, and preparing reports for regulatory compliance
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with inspection tools, equipment, and software used for conducting inspections and recording data
• Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to work in diverse environments, handle unexpected situations, and adapt to changing priorities
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively with other inspectors, vessel personnel, and stakeholders to ensure smooth and safe operations

Physical Activities & Requirements

• Work Classification: Medium work—lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Pushing/Pulling: Requires occasional pushing/pulling of equipment or tools (e.g., moving hoses, adjusting fittings) up to 50 pounds, typically 1-2 hours per shift
• Standing: 6-8 hours per day during inspections and repairs on barges
• Walking: 2-3 hours per day, navigating barge decks and dock areas
• Sitting: 1-2 hours per day, primarily during documentation or breaks
• Climbing: Frequent climbing of ladders or stairs to access barge decks (up to 10 times per shift)
• Crawling: Occasional crawling or movement through enclosed spaces (e.g., void tanks, cargo compartments) during internal inspections, typically 1-2 hours per shift
• Other Physical Demands: Must be capable of occasional heavy lifting or carrying of 50 pounds (e.g., tools, equipment)

Working Conditions

• Office Environment: Minimal office work; primarily uses a shared office space at the Channelview facility for documentation (e.g., barge inspection forms, stripping logs), equipped with standard office equipment (computer, printer)
• Physical Environment: Primarily outdoors on barges and docks, exposed to weather conditions including temperature extremes (e.g., summer heat up to 100°F, winter lows around 30°F in Channelview)
• Works 10 to 12-hour rotating shifts with occasional weekend and on-call responsibilities
• Exposure to marine environments, including potential for wet/slippery surfaces, noise from barge operations, and occasional chemical exposure (mitigated by PPE)