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 ofEMD 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.