Chief Engineer

Principal Responsibilities:

Ensure the proper operation and maintenance of all mechanical equipment aboard the vessel and its tow.

Oversee and maintain all engine room tools and equipment.

Keep detailed logs of engine hours, fuel transfers, and maintenance activities.

Monitor engine room performance, including EMD, Caterpillar, and/or Cummins engines.

Participate in dry-dockings, major repairs, and overhauls.

Supervise the transfer of fuels, lubricants, and bilge from fuel flats in compliance with company procedures.

Perform repairs on vessel engines, generators, and other critical systems as needed.

Maintain engine room cleanliness through regular cleaning, painting, and upkeep.

Adhere to all safety protocols, including wearing required personal protective equipment.

Follow vessel transfer procedures and comply with all U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Ensure safe vessel operations by monitoring and servicing key systems, including engines, steering, electrical, plumbing, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

Inspect and maintain all fire suppression systems.

Train crew members in the proper use of onboard firefighting equipment.

Assist the captain in executing fire emergency procedures and conducting fire drills.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of EMD 645, EMD 710, or Caterpillar 3600 series main engines is preferred. 

Experience working on river towboats with horsepower ranging from 4500 to 10,000 is preferred.

At least 5 years of engine room experience is preferred.

Available to work 28/14 or 28/28 schedule.

Proficient in marine mechanical systems such as electrical, pneumatics, plumbing, diesel, hydraulics, etc.

Experience with John Deere 6081/6090, CAT 3306, or Cummins generators is preferred.

Ability to replace power packs on EMD engines preferred.

Experience with ZF Marine Z Drive units and Cummins QSK60 main engines is a plus.

A valid driver's license is required for rental car use during engineer crew changes.