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Industry Spotlight
Working on the river
America’s economy is dependent on our waterways system. Marine transport is more economical and efficient than transport by truck, rail, or air. On average, transporting bulk goods by water results in a 35% reduction in transportation costs. According to the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association, barges save shippers, suppliers, and customers over $7 billion annually. Marquette Transportation, in particular, is one of the most economical options for moving bulk goods such as coal, sand, frac sand, rock, aggregate, and grain in addition to custom contract towing.
The livelihood of millions of people in our country depend on marine transport. When you choose to work in this industry, you become part of a worldwide family of mariners and contribute to the economic stability of our nation and our world.
Working on the water isn’t for everyone. Crew members have to adjust to a new lifestyle and become accustomed to being away from home. Crew members make the vessel their home away from home while at work. It takes a lifestyle adjustment to work on the water; however, as most will tell you, the benefits will be well worth the hard work and dedication.
The Mariner Lifestyle
Because the vessels operate 24 hours seven days a week, all the crew members, except the cook, work “watches” of six hours on, six hours off. Watch changes generally occur at 5:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. The cook serves meals between 4:45 a.m. and 6:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., so that crew members can eat their meals either prior to going on-watch or after coming off-watch.
When the various crew members are not on-watch, then they are off-duty and may engage in their personal pursuits. However, they remain on their vessel at all times and live a life that is similar to being in the Navy, living in close quarters with one another.
Crew members generally work “trips” of at least 28 days “on the vessel,” although some crew members could work more than 28 days at a time. Thereafter, each crew member will depart and return to their land-based home for leave periods usually consisting of 14 days. After some well-deserved rest and time with family, crew members return to board the vessel.
30 Days On
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For the captain and crew of the M/V Charles Reid Perry, working and living on a boat together for 30 days requires a certain camaraderie and kinship. According to the captain, Kevin Jackson, when he comes aboard, there is an immediate feeling of family among him and his crew.
30 Days Home
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As the captain of the M/V Jacob Michael Eckstein, part of Marquette Transportation, Justin Neihoff has a different work schedule than most people. When he comes home from work, he doesn’t have to worry about going back the next morning. Neihoff is accustomed to a 30 days on/30 days off work schedule that allows him more time with his family. It’s a schedule that ideally suits him and affords him more time exclusively at home.
Working on the River
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At Marquette, we look for maritime job-seekers who share our values to become part of our extended family. We believe in treating each other with respect, making sure we stay healthy and safe, and rewarding a job well done. That’s why we offer one of the industry’s most attractive compensation and benefits packages.
If you’re looking for a positive work environment, supportive leadership, and great potential for career advancement, join our crew.
Conquer Every Mile
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what will you do?
Common Vessel Positions
Our river, offshore, and gulf-inland vessels generally have 5-11 employees on-board, including:
Captain
Supervises all crew members who work on the vessel and must possess a current USCG Marine Officer Pilot’s License.
Pilot
Performs the same job as the Captain when the Captain is off-watch and must have the same credentials as the Captain.
Engineer
Maintains vessel systems including areas of electrical, mechanical, diesel, pneumatic, hydraulic, and plumbing.
Cook
(River Division)
Feeds crew members; providing three meals per day.
Tankerman
(Gulf Division)
Prepares the tank barges for safe loading and discharging of various chemicals and must possess a valid, current Merchant Mariner’s Document with a Tankermans’ endorsement.
Deckhands
Builds various tows and maintains the vessel (One of the experienced deckhands is designated as the “Mate”).
Why Work for Marquette
With a history of excellence and a reputation for getting the job done safely and on time, Marquette Transportation sets a higher standard for marine transportation year after year.
When you join Marquette Transportation, you join a family that truly values its employees. After all, our employees have helped make us one of the nation’s premier marine transportation service companies. Marquette fosters a family-like environment for our employees and provides them with the newest, safest fleets and most technologically advanced equipment and systems that enable them to do their job well. We offer one of the industry’s most attractive compensation and benefits packages, and responsive, supportive management that will help you achieve your professional goals. Marquette wants the very best talents, so we’ve created a workplace that is challenging and rewarding, both on land and on the water.
OUR PURPOSE: Conquer Every Mile | OUR COMMITMENT: Conquer Harm
OUR VALUES: People | Passion | Partnerships | Performance
Our Commitment to Safety
Keeping employees, vessels, and cargo safe is our top priority.
Protecting the safety, security, and health of our employees, our equipment, and our environment is vital to operating a world-class organization—and one reason Marquette is a leader in the marine transportation industry.
We offer an integrated program of classroom, simulator, and on-the-job training that stands as one of the more rigorous in the industry. While we conduct the required U.S. Coast Guard and American Waterways Operator (AWO) Responsible Carrier drills and training, we exceed these expectations with our internally developed safety, security, and environmental programs.
Our fleet is equipped with the latest in communication, information and navigational safety technologies; including Rosepoint Marine, electronic navigation and charting, Furuno radars, Automated Identification System (AIS) technologies, and Operator Incapacitation Rudder Monitoring Systems.
Additional Safety Credentials:
- Member, AWO Inter-Regional Safety Committee
- Member, USCG License Renewal Process Quality Action Team
Modern vessels, cutting-edge technology
Marquette’s vessels are a source of pride for the crew who operate them. Our River, Gulf-Inland and Offshore fleets are among the newest in the industry and are regularly upgraded and refurbished to ensure safe, reliable transportation. Marquette vessels are equipped with the latest navigational and communications technologies, comfortable living accommodations; including a TV-DVD lounge area (with satellite television), fully equipped galleys and sleeping cabins
Superior Compensation and Benefits
Marquette Transportation looks for employees for the long term, so we offer one of the industry’s most competitive salary and benefits packages. We’ve structured a pay cycle that enables all employees to receive their paychecks two times per month (24 pay periods) and are automatically deposited into the bank account of your choosing.
Advancement Opportunities
Marquette Transportation provides faster advancement opportunities than most companies. If you have the interest and desire to advance your career, whether your passion is to be a Captain, Engineer, Tankerman, Mate or Shore-based employee, Marquette has many opportunities!
Employee Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision insurance
- Voluntary & Dependent Life Insurance
- Safety incentives
- Holiday pay while on vessel
- Wheelhouse officers may also receive other benefits such as Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, Performance Incentives
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for qualified medical and dependent care expenses
- 401k plan with company match
- Holidays
- Performance bonuses
- Employee Assistance Program
Since 1978 Marquette Transportation Company has been a leading provider in the marine transportation industry. The future looks bright for one of the fastest growing companies in the marine industry. As you can see there are many opportunities with Marquette as with any job, it takes hard work, dedication and the will to achieve. The next level in your career the rewards will certainly be worth it for you and your family in the future.