Before moving forward with an application to join a Vane Brothers crew, you will need to obtain three items: a Transportation W orker ID CARD (TW IC), Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC), and medical certificate. Follow the links below for information about obtaining a TW IC and MMC:

To get your TW IC: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/twic/ (You need the TWIC before applying for the MMC.)

To get your MMC: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/

Vane Brothers invites you to climb on board for a career in the tugboat and barge industry. Join a crew and begin earning a good salary with cost-saving health benefits. A favorable work schedule means you work only six months out of the year, generally spending 2 weeks on the vessel and then 2 weeks off, or 3 on/3 off*. (*Exceptions may occur.)

The usual career path as a person with no previous experience in the maritime industry is to come on board as a Deckhand Trainee and then earn a position as an Ordinary Seaman (OS) Deckhand.

The responsibilities of an OS Deckhand generally include:
- W orking 6 hours on and 6 hours off every 12 hours (either during the Captain’s W atch or the Mate’s watch)
- Maintaining the vessel and equipment (chipping, painting, washing, etc.)
- Cleaning and cooking.
- Serving as a lookout (at the Captain or Mate’s discretion, depending on weather, location,
amount of traffic, time of day, etc.)
- Climbing onto the barge to facilitate docking and undocking.
After a period of time employed as an OS Deckhand, you can attend AB School and
work toward an Able-Bodied (AB) Seaman endorsement. The AB Deckhand has the same
general responsibilities as the OS, but also assists with training Deckhand Trainees

READY TO APPLY?

CONTACT FLEET RECRUITING FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

Ph: 410-735-8238
Email: fleetresumes@vanebrothers.com

Learn the ropes while working on board a tugboat with the rest of the crew. Shifts are 6 hours on, 6 hours off, with responsibilities that include maintaining the vessel and equipment, cleaning, cooking, serving as a lookout at the discretion of the Captain or Mate, and possibly climbing onto the barge to facilitate docking and undocking.

REQUIREMENTS: A Transportation Worker ID Card (TWIC), Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC), and medical certificate.

This position works 6 hours on, 6 hours off, while on board the tugboat. Responsibilities include handling the lines, maintaining the vessel and equipment, cleaning, cooking, serving as a lookout at the discretion of the Captain or Mate, and possibly climbing onto the barge to facilitate docking and undocking. After a period of time, you can attend AB School and work toward the AB endorsement.

REQUIREMENTS: A Transportation Worker ID Card (TWIC), Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC), medical certificate, and Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificate. After hiring, the OS Deckhand will be required to undergo PIC and Fire training and also take part in a Tankerman (Barge Crew) Trainee program.

This position has the same basic duties as the OS Deckhand while working 6 hours on, 6 hours off. Responsibilities include handling the lines, maintaining the vessel and equipment, cleaning, cooking, serving as a lookout at the discretion of the Captain or Mate, and possibly climbing onto the barge to facilitate docking and undocking. The AB also assists with training Deckhand Trainees.

REQUIREMENTS: Same as OS Deckhand (Tankerman Trainee program optional), but with more training and sea-time experience, as well as the completion of a rigorous training exam process.

This position is responsible for all of the operating machinery on the tugboat. Engineers usually work during the day, doing maintenance on the engines and equipment, but they must be available at any time extra hands are needed.

REQUIREMENTS: Same as the OS and AB Deckhands, as well as a Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) Unlimited license; a Assistant Engineer-1st, 2nd or 3rd license; or a Chief Engineer Unlimited license.

This position is second in command on the tugboat, standing watch for six-hour shifts opposite the Captain (noon to 1800 and midnight to 0600). While on watch, the Mate is in charge of the safe conduct of the vessel(s) and must follow the Captain’s directives. 

REQUIREMENTS: Same as the OS and AB Deckhands, plus a U.S. Coast Guard 200, 500 or 1600 Ton License (either Near Coastal or Oceans, depending on the area of operation) and a Master or Mate of Towing License.

This position has ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the tug and barge and crews. The Captain/Master stands watch for six-hour shifts opposite the Mate (0600 to noon and 1800 to 2400). All crew members answer to the Captain.

REQUIREMENTS: Same as the Mate, but must have a Master of Towing License.

This position may start out as a Deckhand who participates in a required number and type of cargo transfers under the direct supervision of a Barge Crew Member/Tankerman. A Trainee could be asked to support tugboat duties.

REQUIREMENTS: Participation in Tank Barge Crew/Tankerman School and the granting of a Person-in-Charge (PIC) Tank – Dangerous Liquids (DL) endorsement.

This position stands watch opposite the Barge Captain, takes direction from the Barge Captain, and acts as Person in Charge during cargo transfer operations.

REQUIREMENTS: A Person-in-Charge (PIC) Tank – Dangerous Liquids (DL) endorsement and either an OS or AB Deckhand endorsement. The AB endorsement is required for working articulated tug/barge (AT/B) units operating outside the coastal lines of demarcation.

This position is responsible for all operations and activities aboard the barge. The Barge Captain acts as Person in Charge during cargo transfer operations and is responsible for the safety, care and upkeep of the barge. 

REQUIREMENTS: A Person-in-Charge (PIC) Tank – Dangerous Liquids (DL) endorsement and either an OS or AB Deckhand endorsement. The AB endorsement is required for working articulated tug/barge (AT/B) units operating outside the coastal lines of demarcation.

Though Vane Brothers performs many maritime tasks, the company's primary business is "bunkering." Bunkering refers to the refueling of a ship while it is at rest. Vane Brothers uses a powerful tugboat to push or pull a barge through the water. The barge is like a floating gas station. 
It is positioned alongside the ship so that the petroleum product can be safely and easily pumped into the ship's tanks. The tugboat is able to detach itself from the barge, if necessary.