Barge Captain

Job Description

We are recruiting a Barge Captain for our client in Saudi Arabia.

This is a staff 35/35 rotational role.

You will play a critical role in the safe and efficient operation of offshore drilling rigs. You will hold overriding authority and responsibility for vessel safety, pollution prevention, and overall command. This includes navigating the vessel, ensuring adherence to regulations and policies, leading the crew, and collaborating with onshore support for successful operations. You will make crucial decisions in real-time while maintaining clear communication and requesting company assistance when necessary.

Navigation and Vessel Operations:
• Safely navigate the vessel to designated locations, utilizing appropriate navigation equipment and procedures.
• Ensure adherence to all international maritime regulations (IMO, SOLAS, etc.) and company policies for vessel operations.
• Conduct pre-departure checks, voyage planning, and maintain accurate navigational records.
• Oversee anchor handling, mooring operations, and rig move operations, ensuring safe and secure positioning of the drilling vessel.
• Monitor weather conditions and implement necessary precautions to ensure vessel safety and operational effectiveness.
• Monitor maintenance of daily logs and equipment usage logs.
• Submit reports as required.
• Supervise adjustments in draft and trim.
• Monitor weather and supervise running and retrieving anchors.
• Supervise material and/or personnel transfer from work boats, helicopters, and supply vessels.
• Supervise barge control room operations including setting parameters and manning.
• Organize and maintain deck and hull load distribution.
• Supervise the transfer of bulk products, fuel oils, and drill water with vessel equipment and systems.

Crew Management and Leadership:
• Provide effective leadership and mentorship to the deck crew, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Delegate tasks, monitor performance, and conduct training to ensure crew competency in all aspects of vessel operations, including emergency response procedures.
• Foster a strong safety culture onboard, enforcing safety regulations and procedures.
• Resolve crew concerns and maintain a harmonious working environment.
• Plan work of the deck crew.
• Direct adherence to safety policies and procedures.
• Train subordinates in their jobs.

Communication and Collaboration:
• Maintain clear and concise communication with the rig manager, onshore support teams, and relevant authorities.
• Prepare comprehensive reports documenting vessel operations, performance data, and any incidents or issues encountered.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the deck crew and other rig departments.
• Co-ordinate with other departments, such as the material man, to ensure proper inventory control.
• Communicate through pre-tower/toolbox meetings and hold/conduct weekly safety meetings.
• Liaise with all department heads to discuss safe daily operations.

Emergency Response and Safety:
• Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans for various scenarios, including fire, abandonment, and oil spills.
• Effectively lead emergency response procedures, ensuring crew safety and minimizing damage to the vessel and environment.
• Supervise operation, maintenance, and repair of firefighting and safety equipment, lifesaving equipment, pollution control systems, and bulk systems.
• Supervise and coordinate annual or other formal systematic structural inspections.
• Direct subordinates in routine inspections of the rig.
• Promote and organize the company’s preventive maintenance system.
• Investigate all safety incidents and provide management with corrective measures.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of the rig.
• Supervise all safety drills.
• Ensure compliance with features of Safety Plan and HSE Management System.
• Always lead by visible example, minimizing delegation of authority when handling key HSE issues or important communications.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures
• Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, and procedures so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Contribute to cost-efficient usage of all applicable resources to reduce wastage and unnecessary expense.

Health, Safety, & Environment (HSE)
• Adhere to all relevant QHSE procedures, instructions, and controls so that we provide a safe, best in class, secure and environmentally responsible service to customers, the public and its own people.

Desired Qualities/Qualifications

Education / Qualifications:
• Having Master Mariner Class-1 Certificate of Competency (COC)

Certifications:
• Captain shall hold Master (Unlimited) license
• Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) certification (highly preferred).
• STCW.
• Industry-recognized certificates relevant to offshore operations (e.g., BOSIET, advanced firefighting).

Years of Experience (Minimum):
• 10 years’ experience on the marine department of Offshore Marine vessels/Drilling Rigs as a barge supervisor with minimum of 3 years of experience as a Captain or senior officer on offshore drilling rigs

Relevant Experience:
• Demonstrated experience in safe and efficient vessel operations in offshore environments.
• Proven leadership and crew management skills.
• Strong understanding of international maritime regulations and company policies.
• Experience working in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience navigating in challenging weather conditions (preferred).

Competencies:
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent situational awareness and risk management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and maintain composure in critical situations.
• Ability to provide leadership and train crew in emergency evacuation.

Skills:
• Excellent proficiency in navigation equipment and software.
• Strong understanding of vessel stability and dynamic positioning principles (DPO certification preferred).
• Excellent computer literacy and proficiency in maritime software applications.
• Strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
• Excellent physical fitness and ability to perform physically demanding tasks.