Risevoic
Licensed AB/ 3rd Mate
Company : Kirby Inland Marine
Location : Channelview, TX, 77530
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Overview
The AB performs deck department duties relative to operations and maintenance of assigned tugs and barges.
Responsibilities
- General maintenance and repairs; deck maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, making tow or mooring and unmooring.
- Standing watch during operation of tug.
- Performs maintenance, repair and sanitation on the tug under the direction of the Mate; performs maintenance, cleaning and repair of tank barge machinery spaces and systems within his capability, as directed by supervisor or Officer on Watch.
- Carry out projects as directed by the Officer on Watch.
- Fulfill duties and responsibilities relating to and affecting the Company HSQE.
The responsibilities outlined above cannot totally encompass or define all tasks, which may be required of the position holder. The outline of responsibilities given above may, therefore, vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility of the position.
Qualifications
WORK CONDITIONS
- Must be able to live and work in close quarters and able to spend a length of time away from family.
- Work schedule and hours determined by boat. Typical work schedule is 21 day on, and 21 days off with a 12 hour work shift including holidays.
- Must be able to work in inclement weather outdoor, heat and cold.
- Must be willing and able to attend paid required training on and off scheduled work time.
- Must have reliable transportation and be able to drive to/from company defined hub cities.
QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess a valid TWIC Card
- Must possess a valid Driver's license
- Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
- Endorsed as AB
- Valid USCG Medical Certificate required
- Passport Preferred
- Tankerman PIC preferred
- Experience with at least one other maritime company preferred
- Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years
- Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years
- Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K) and as found in 46 CFR Part 10
- Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 10
- Must be able to pass company requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C Benzene
- Valid state issued birth certificate required.
- Valid social security card required
- Must be 18 years of age
- Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation
- Must be able to read and write English
- Ability to understand written and verbal orders
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Walk – Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day
- Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal
- Reach - Must be able to extend arms fully throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane (i.e., throwing and catching lines)
- Climb - Must be able to climb a 90 degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet, and carry weight while climbing
- Grip/Hold/Pull – Must be able to grip, hold and pull 50lbs
- Lift – Must be able to lift 75lbs.
- Lift & Carry - Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs for approximately 350 feet
- Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners credential. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye corrected to 20/40 in each eye
- Hearing – Must meet minimum standards, as per USCG requirements
- Speech - Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood using handheld radios or other devices, as required
- Smell – Must possess a sense of smell to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous vapors
- Pulmonary Functions - Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 75%
- General - Must be able to enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergency.
- Equipment - Must be able to wear a negative or positive pressure respirator, PVC foul weather gear, personal flotation device, rubber gloves and boots.
- Ability to use firefighting / spill containment equipment
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Frequently asked questions
Working as a Licensed AB/ 3rd Mate near Channelview, TX involves significant physical tasks such as climbing vertical ladders, lifting heavy equipment up to 75 lbs, and spending long hours outdoors in varying weather. Candidates should be prepared for strenuous activity typical of tugboat and barge operations.
While a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as AB and a TWIC card are mandatory, employers around Channelview often prefer additional credentials like Tankerman PIC and a USCG medical certificate, enhancing job prospects and compliance with safety standards on inland waterways.
Entry as a Licensed AB/ 3rd Mate can lead to roles such as Mate or Master with experience and additional certifications. Gaining expertise in vessel operations, safety management, and completing required USCG training can accelerate promotion, especially within companies like Kirby Inland Marine.
At Kirby Inland Marine, Licensed AB/ 3rd Mates play a crucial part in upholding HSQE standards during deck operations and maintenance. Their duties include performing repairs and sanitation under supervision, ensuring both vessel integrity and adherence to company safety policies on inland waterways.
Kirby Inland Marine requires AB/ 3rd Mates to manage extensive maintenance tasks, endure extended 21-day shifts, and adapt to close living quarters onboard. The company emphasizes readiness for inclement weather and mandates paid training, reflecting high operational standards distinctive to their fleet.
Channelview’s strategic location along key inland waterways sustains robust demand for Licensed AB/ 3rd Mates, with steady hiring driven by active barge and tug operations. Job seekers benefit from a competitive market but must meet rigorous physical and certification requirements for consideration.
Given Channelview’s spread-out industrial hubs, reliable personal transportation is essential for Licensed AB/ 3rd Mates. Workers often commute to company-defined hub cities before boarding vessels, and traffic patterns on Houston-area highways can impact punctuality and daily scheduling.
Licensed AB/ 3rd Mates in Channelview, TX typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, reflecting inland marine sector standards. This range aligns competitively with national averages, factoring in the demanding work schedule, certifications, and physical requirements involved in these positions.
Applicants must hold a valid Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as AB, a TWIC card, and a USCG medical certificate. Additional preferences include Tankerman PIC certification, a clean driving record, and the ability to pass rigorous physical and drug screening tests aligned with Kirby Inland Marine’s safety culture.
A typical shift involves maintaining tug and barge decks, conducting safety inspections, standing watch, and assisting with mooring operations. The role demands adaptability to weather conditions and close teamwork, all while adhering to strict maritime safety and company protocols during extended 12-hour workdays.