Barging Officer at WTS Energy

Job Overview

• The Barging Officer will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating barge operations on Dawes Island.
• The officer will monitor and report all vessel movements, loading and discharging activities, and ensure that vessel surveys are properly conducted and reported.
• The position requires a hands-on approach to managing daily operations, ensuring safety, and complying with company policies and regulatory standards.
• This role is crucial to the efficient transportation and handling of crude oil and related products in challenging environmental conditions.

Key Responsibilities
Barge Operations Monitoring:

• Supervise and track all barge movements within the designated operational area (Dawes Island to Mother Vessel at Bonny).
• Monitor loading and discharging of crude oil and other products from the processing facility to export points.
• Ensure that all barging activities adhere to established safety, regulatory, and environmental guidelines.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Accurately record and report all barge activities, including loading, discharging, and transit operations, in daily logs.
• Prepare and submit detailed reports on barge movements, cargo volumes, and any incidents or deviations to the Field Operations Superintendent/Asset Manager.
• Ensure compliance with internal reporting procedures and regulatory requirements for all barge activities.

Vessel Surveys:

• Oversee vessel surveys, including draft surveys, tank inspections, and other measurement activities to ensure accurate accounting of cargo.
• Collaborate with surveyors to verify the integrity of the vessel and the accuracy of measurements.
• Report survey results and address any discrepancies in a timely manner.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure that all barging operations comply with local and international maritime regulations, including Nigerian maritime laws and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
• Enforce strict adherence to company safety policies and procedures, with a focus on mitigating risks in a swamp environment.
• Monitor safety performance and report any incidents, near-misses, or safety violations immediately.

Coordination and Communication:

• Maintain clear communication with the Field Operations Superintendent, barge masters, and relevant personnel to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Liaise with local authorities, regulatory bodies, and third-party service providers to ensure compliance with all legal and contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with logistics teams to coordinate vessel arrivals, departures, and the allocation of barge resources.

Logistics and Inventory Management:

• Track and manage inventories of crude oil and other products on barges, ensuring that quantities are properly accounted for.
• Coordinate fuel and supply deliveries for barges operating in remote swamp areas.
• Verify that all third-party equipment and vessels are maintained to the highest operational standards.

Emergency Response:

• Act as the first point of contact for emergency situations involving barge operations, such as oil spills, vessel breakdowns, or safety incidents.
• Coordinate and implement emergency response plans, ensuring rapid and effective response to incidents.
• Participate in regular safety drills and emergency response training as required by company policies.

Qualifications and Skills
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Maritime Studies, Marine Engineering, Logistics, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in barge operations, maritime logistics, or oil and gas operations, preferably in a swamp or offshore environment.
• Proven experience in supervising loading/discharging activities, vessel surveys, and managing cargo operations.

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of barge loading/discharging procedures and best practices for crude oil handling.
• Familiarity with maritime regulations, including Nigerian Maritime Safety standards and International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other relevant software for reporting and documentation.

Behavioural Skills:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail, particularly in monitoring operations and reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and remote environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically fit and able to work in challenging swamp conditions, including long hours on barges and vessels.
• Willingness to travel to remote areas and live in operational base camps for extended periods.

Work Environment:

• The position will involve significant time spent in the swamps of the Niger Delta, including exposure to extreme weather conditions, long working hours, and high-risk operational environments.
• Accommodation and transport will be provided at base camps located near operational sites.

Safety Requirements:

• Commitment to uphold safety standards at all times, with a focus on preventing accidents and incidents in a high-risk, remote environment.
• Participate in all mandatory safety trainings and emergency response drills.