Fuel Boat Pilot

Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc. (EMIS) services vessels and tows, supporting river crews along the Mississippi River from facilities in Vicksburg, MS, Wood River, IL, and Memphis, TN. As a family-owned oil and gas company, Ergon offers a supportive work environment focused on safety, efficiency, and customer service.

About the role

The Fuel Boat Pilot ensures the safe and efficient operation of their crew, vessel, and tow in compliance with company policy, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and federal, state, and local laws. This role involves leading a deck crew, maintaining vessel safety and readiness, and providing customer service in line with EMIS’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with company policy, U.S. Coast Guard rules, and federal, state, and local laws; report violations.
• Oversee deck crew performance and inspect all vessel and tow areas for safety, maintenance, and cleanliness.
• Provide customer service according to the EMIS Mission Statement.
• Reject unsafe tow configurations or barges as needed.
• Ensure all crewmembers use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Assist other operations as directed by management.
• Maintain EMIS fleets and equipment, documenting fleet checks every six hours or as per MARSEC levels.
• Inspect barges using the Dry Cargo/Chemical Barge Inspection Report; report damage and take corrective action.
• Review tow orders to confirm sufficient horsepower for the task.
• Report incidents immediately to supervisors and log them in vessel records.
• Order supplies as needed and ensure vessel safety equipment is functional, including fire extinguishers, hoses, dewatering pumps, life preservers, and first aid supplies.
• Train crewmembers in emergency procedures, including fire drills.
• Perform maintenance tasks such as chipping, buffing, priming, and painting the vessel and equipment.
• Complete the Towing Vessel Record each shift, including the Engine Room Log, Fuel Operations Log, and Pre-Sail Check List.
• When training an upcoming pilot, act as the "Master of the Vessel" and assume accountability for the trainee’s actions.
• Conduct and document a safety briefing with the crew before any barge tow work, movement, or fuel transfers.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels or Limited Master of Towing.
• Sufficient tenure with EMIS to demonstrate competence and leadership skills, as determined by the Vice President for promotion from within.
• Ability to swim.
• Valid TWIC Card (Transportation Workers Identification Credential).
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching.
• Health, life, and dental insurance.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Profit sharing.

Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review.