Hey there again. This is a continuation of my first working on boats post. To recap in my first one I gave a couple of steps to get started on boats. So now lets look at some more of the ladder you will climb in this field.
After you get hired and become a deckhand you will start learning about your vessel and barges. Barges come in different sizes and different functions as well. You have open hopper barges for things such as rock and anything that does not need to be kept dry. You have closed hopper barges for dry cargo. You have tank barges for liquid transport and you have deck barges for equipment. With the exception of the tank barge all of the other barges can haul the same items to an extent.
So you have been a deckhand on a boat that pushes tank barges and are ready to move up. Now you will go to a school to learn how to test for your tankerman ticket. This is a license issued by the Coast Guard that says you are qualified to act as a “Person in Charge” or PiC during transfers. This is required for all dangerous liquid transfers. You can read more here
http://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/checklists/mcp_fm_nmc5_57_web.pdf
It is confusing but do not be deterred you will have help. This help will come from your Captain and the company you work for. Both will help guide you along the path you choose. So thats it for this installment I hope it has added some small part to the community and if one person gets something from it I am happy. Thanks,
PWG