skip to Main Content

Barge Master Job Description

What does a Barge Master do?

A Barge Master is primarily responsible for overseeing the transportation of materials and equipment via barges. They ensure the proper loading and unloading of cargo while maintaining the safety standards mandated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. They also supervise the crew of the barge, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time. Additionally, Barge Masters must have a deep understanding of navigation, weather conditions, and other factors that can affect barge transport. They work closely with port authorities, vessel operators, and other stakeholders to ensure the timely and safe delivery of cargo to its destination.

Our Barge Master job description includes the Barge Master responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Barge Master Example


Our Job Advertising Packages

Choose the best package, edit the advert and post your job!

 StarterPremiumCorporateNationalBrandedResourcer
Reed
Indeed Sponsored
Monster
Google Jobs
Glassdoor
LinkedIn Jobs
Totaljobs
Jobsite
Guardian Jobs
CV-Library
Industry boards
CV Targeting*
many more
£99£199£329£349£399£599
Job Advert Package + Flat Fee Recruitment Services
CV Filtering
Video Interviewing
Interview Scheduling
£799£799£929£949£999£1199

If you need an example job description for a Barge Master download the one below, alternatively we have many other Transportation and Logistics job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Barge Master do?

The Barge Master is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of barges and other waterborne vessels. They are responsible for the loading and unloading of cargo, the operation of the vessels in all navigable waters, and the maintenance and repair of the vessels. The Barge Master must ensure that the vessels are compliant with all necessary regulations and laws, and that the crew are adequately trained and supervised. They must also ensure that the vessels are operated in a safe and responsible manner and that all necessary safety precautions are taken. The Barge Master must also be aware of local weather conditions and river traffic.

Barge Master Role Purpose

The purpose of a Barge Master is to oversee the safe and efficient operation of barges, vessels, and other water-borne traffic in the UK. This includes ensuring that all vessels are navigated safely, that cargo is loaded and unloaded correctly, and that all necessary regulations and laws are adhered to. The Barge Master is also responsible for the maintenance and repair of vessels as well as the overall safety of the barge and its crew.

Barge Master Role

A Barge Master is responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operation of a barge, a large, flat-bottomed boat used to carry goods. They are responsible for the navigation of the barge, ensuring it is operated in accordance with relevant legislation, and supervising its crew. Barge Masters must also be familiar with cargo handling, vessel maintenance, and basic ship repair.

Barge Master Duties

  • Plan, coordinate and direct the navigation of barges
  • Ensure the safe and efficient transport of cargo
  • Monitor the barges and crew in order to ensure adherence to safety regulations
  • Maintaining records of barges and cargo
  • Organise loading and unloading of cargo
  • Liaison with other barge operators, customers and port authorities

Barge Master Requirements

  • Ability to safely manage barges and crews
  • Knowledge of local and international navigational laws and regulations
  • Experience of navigating in rough waters

Barge Master Skills

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Ability to manage a team of up to 10 people
  • Ability to work to deadlines

Barge Master Personal Traits

  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to make decisions quickly
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Ability to work in a team

How to write a Barge Master Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Barge Master Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Barge Master Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Barge Master Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Barge Master

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

Back To Top