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Experienced Inland Wheelman
Company : Kirby Inland Marine
Location : Channelview, TX, 77530
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Overview
As a Wheelman, you are responsible for managing the vessel, the vessel's personnel and all barges in tow. You will be responsible for all crew members and their adherence to all United States Coast Guard regulations and company policies. You will be expected to navigate the vessel in a safe manner and ensure safety rules are followed by everyone. You will be reporting to the Captain of the vessel and the shoreside vessel operations group. Applicant must hold a Master or Mate of Towing Vessels on Inland Waters and Western Rivers.
Responsibilities
Basic Functions:
1. As a supervisor you will be responsible for training the crew on how to perform their job in a safe manor.
2. Safely Navigate in the Intercoastal canal and Mississippi river system. Radio Communications and Radar experience is required.
3. Supervise the daily maintenance and housekeeping of the vessel.
4. Supervise all barge transfers and fueling operations.
5. Follow all company policies.
6. Ensure vessel is in compliance with all environmental laws and United States Coast Guard regulations.
7. Will act as a company representative on a daily basis with customers at the dock.
8. Ensure engine room maintenance is kept up on a daily basis
9. In the event of an emergency will act as the on site coordinator until vessel operations arrive.
10. Wheelman will be responsible for keeping up with daily logs while on watch.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Walk – Must be able to walk as needed on vessel and barge
- Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal
- Climb - Must be able to climb a 90 degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet
- Grip - Must be able to grip 50 lbs
- Push/Hold/Pull – Must be able to push, pull and hold 70lbs
- Lift – Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners credential.
- 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
An Inland Wheelman maintains strict adherence to US Coast Guard rules by constantly monitoring vessel operations, conducting regular safety checks, and supervising crew activities. Their expertise in radar and radio communications allows them to navigate safely through waterways like the Mississippi River system while upholding environmental and safety standards.
Key certifications include a valid TWIC card, a Merchant Mariner Credential with inland and western rivers endorsement, a radar endorsement, and an FCC radio license. These ensure legal operation on inland waters like Channelview, TX, and compliance with federal maritime regulations essential for an Inland Wheelman.
Yes, Inland Wheelmen can progress to roles such as vessel captain or operations manager, leveraging their navigation and supervisory experience. Continuous certifications and in-depth knowledge of inland waterways open doors to higher responsibility positions within maritime companies or specialized towing operations.
Experienced Inland Wheelmen in Channelview typically earn between $55,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on company size and tenure. Factors like certifications, experience navigating the intercoastal canal, and supervisory skills influence compensation within this specialized inland maritime sector.
At Kirby Inland Marine, Inland Wheelmen are entrusted with comprehensive oversight of vessel operations, emphasizing crew training and strict safety protocol adherence. This company culture prioritizes environmental compliance and customer interaction, shaping a role that balances operational control with frontline representation.
Kirby Inland Marine’s emphasis on multi-barge management and intercoastal navigation demands advanced coordination and communication skills from its Inland Wheelmen. The company’s focus on regulatory compliance and emergency leadership also means wheelmen must be adept in crisis management and maintaining daily maintenance standards.
Channelview’s strategic location near major waterways like the Houston Ship Channel creates steady demand for skilled Inland Wheelmen. This demand encourages competitive hiring practices and prioritizes candidates who possess comprehensive USCG certifications and local waterway navigation experience.
Given Channelview’s proximity to Houston’s busy traffic corridors, Inland Wheelmen often face congestion during peak hours. Reliable transportation and flexible scheduling can mitigate commute delays, which is crucial since punctuality directly impacts vessel operations and crew coordination.
Beyond certifications, proficiency in radar operation, clear radio communication, and rigorous safety supervision set top Inland Wheelmen apart. Their ability to handle emergency scenarios, maintain detailed logs, and perform physical tasks like climbing ladders ensures smooth vessel management under varied conditions.
Unlike ocean-going captains or truck drivers, Inland Wheelmen specialize in guiding barges through inland waterways, requiring precise knowledge of river systems and barge handling. This role uniquely blends supervisory duties with hands-on vessel navigation, making it distinct within maritime and transport careers.