Pilot

Job Purpose:

The principal responsibilities and authorities of the Pilot position aboard company vessels are outlined below.

Responsibility and Authority:

1. a) The Pilot is responsible for the safety and the security of his crew and vessel, the tow and cargo, and the satisfactory performance of all crew members. The Pilot is authorized to make any and all decisions (within approved policy and procedural guidelines) regarding the vessel and its crew, while on duty and particularly as they pertain to safety.

1. b) The Pilot must adhere to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (COI) if/when the vessel has been issued one. The Pilot must ensure the vessel is manned in accordance with the COI.
2. c) The Pilot must also ensure that Company policies, rules, and regulations are followed and the “Rules of the Road” and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations are strictly adhered to.
3. d) The Pilot must make a reasonable effort to be familiar with and adhere to the provisions of the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) applicable to the vessel.
4. e) The Pilot is responsible for both reviewing the contents of the safety management system applicable to the towing vessel and reporting non-conformities to shore-based management.

f) The Pilot must immediately report any nonconformity to the Office by telephone. Nonconformities may include but are not limited to such items as all violations of policies or violations of Federal, State, or local laws, safety or seaworthiness of the vessel, crewing issues, safety or seaworthiness of any barges or other equipment, crew injuries, incidences or illnesses, all equipment incidents or accidents. Nonconformities and reporting details must be detailed in the Vessel Log.

1. g) The Pilot is responsible for supervising all persons onboard in carrying out their assigned duties.

1) The Pilot has the authority to determine that an operation endangers the vessel or crew.

2) If the Pilot has determined that an unsafe condition exists, the Pilot must ensure that adequate corrective action is taken, and must not proceed until it is safe to do so.

1. h) The Pilot of the vessel serves as a watch stander and is responsible for safety of navigation and operation of their towing vessel and associated equipment.

1) The Pilot has the authority to determine if it is unsafe for the towing vessel to proceed.

2) If the Pilot has determined it is unsafe to proceed, the Pilot must ensure that adequate corrective action is taken, and must not proceed until it is safe to do so.

1. i) Nothing in the safety management system applicable to the towing vessel shall be misinterpreted in a manner that limits the Pilot of their own responsibility to take such steps as s/he deems necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress, or for other emergency conditions.
2. j) The Pilot has the authority to request the company’s help whenever they deem necessary.

Pilot for Fleet or Line Haul Operations       

The job description and duties of Pilot (Pilot for Fleet or Line haul) for vessels engaged in Line Haul service are outlined below and shall apply to all Pilots employed by Superior Marine.

Position Summary 

5.1.1   The Pilot is directly responsible for the safety of the towing vessel.

5.1.2   The Pilot is directly responsible for all vessel operations and must be knowledgeable of general operation of the vessel, its systems, to follow and carry out safety rules, procedures, and policies as stated in the Safety Management System applicable to the towing vessel.

5.1.3   The Pilot is responsible for adhering to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (COI), if/when issued.

5.1.4   The Pilot is responsible for adhering to the provisions of all applicable company policies and procedures and for all regulations.

5.1.5   The Pilot must also make a reasonable effort to review the contents of the Safety Management System initially and when any changes are made thereafter, and comply with the Safety Management System, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

5.1.6   The Pilot monitors and controls expenditures for fuel, supplies, harbor service usage, and overtime. The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions. 

5.1.7   The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the area they operate, Radar Observer certificates, Medical and TWIC cards. Note if any renewal dates are expired then the license is not valid to work under.

• Original unexpired documents must be in the possession of the wheelhouse personnel when on board the vessel.
• Any change in the status of an individual's license or radar certificate or medical card must immediately be reported to Management.
• Copies of required documents shall be kept in the office in employee files.

5.1.8   The Pilot is responsible for and will be held accountable for his/her own health, safety, and cleanliness as well as the safety, cleanliness and work performance of all those crew members under him/her. He/she must be familiar with the company’s policies, procedures, safety rules and regulations, and must abide by them at all times.

5.1.9   The Pilot is responsible for supervising all persons onboard in carrying out their assigned duties.

5.1.10 The Pilot is responsible for maintaining all safety, lifesaving and PPE equipment aboard the vessel. The Pilot shall ensure the vessel is properly equipped; the equipment is kept ready for use and is inspected and checked as prescribed in the Safety Management System.

5.1.11 The Pilot shall ensure that all crewmembers are properly trained in the use of the firefighting and lifesaving equipment and all crewmembers are properly trained in emergency response procedures to respond to various emergencies that may arise in the marine environment.

5.1.13 The Pilot must maintain company required logs, documentation and checklist as described in the Safety Management System.

Work Schedule: 

The standard work schedule for a fleet Pilot is a rotation of days and night shifts that vary with the assigned vessel for not more than 12 hours per 24 hour period, except in an emergency.