Darin Hawkins
Mountain View
Summary
Dynamic boat captain with extensive experience in inland waterways navigation and crew oversight. Known for implementing safety protocols and enhancing operational efficiency, ready to drive improvements in marine transport logistics.
Proficient boat captain with a strong focus on safety management and problem-solving skills. Expertise in team leadership and logistics coordination, committed to ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Boat Captain
Canal Barge Company
New Orleans, LA
03.1997 - 11.2025
- Operated and navigated various types of barges through inland waterways, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Managed crew operations to enhance teamwork and operational efficiency during cargo transport.
- Conducted regular maintenance checks on vessels to ensure optimal performance and safety standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new crew members, fostering a culture of safety and competence.
- Coordinated logistics for cargo loading and unloading, optimizing time management and resource allocation.
- Analyzed navigational charts and weather reports to assess safe passage routes for barge operations.
- Led emergency response drills, preparing crew for potential hazards and enhancing overall safety protocols.
- Improved fuel efficiency practices through strategic planning and route optimization techniques during voyages.
- Identified potential hazards quickly, addressing them proactively to prevent accidents or damage to the vessel.
- Navigated challenging waters skillfully, ensuring safe and efficient transit of passengers and cargo.
- Improved crew morale with effective leadership techniques that fostered teamwork while addressing individual needs or concerns promptly.
- Ensured compliance with all federal regulations by maintaining proper certifications and adhering to maritime laws during voyages.
- Maintained records of daily activities, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts and passenger status.
- Calculated sightings of land by using electronic sounding devices.
- Managed financial aspects of the vessel''s operation by tracking expenses, creating budgets, and handling payments from clients.
- Developed detailed voyage plans, accounting for weather conditions, fuel consumption, and port availability to optimize travel time.
- Enhanced safety measures by implementing strict protocols and conducting regular equipment checks.
- Collaborated with crew members to ensure smooth operations, maintaining a professional work environment on board.
- Maintained vessel in pristine condition through diligent cleaning, maintenance, and repairs for optimal performance.
- Coordinated logistics at ports-of-call including customs clearance procedures, docking arrangements, refueling activities, and waste disposal management.
- Assisted in the training of new crew members to ensure they were well-prepared for their roles onboard the vessel as it pertains to safety practices and operational tasks.
- Performed meticulous record-keeping duties, documenting essential information such as maintenance logs, crew hours, and trip itineraries for future reference.
- Directed ships' speeds using specialized knowledge of local winds, water depths and hazards.
- Docked and undocked vessel using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, lighthouses and buoys to make safe and accurate operational decisions.
- Inspected and assessed telecommunication systems and navigational instruments to prepare for and manage safe piloting.
- Learned to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators and models.
- Took responsibility for ship operations in cases of injury or illness.
- Employed telecommunications equipment to coordinate marine traffic and organize navigation.
- Managed efficient supply and food replenishment at port stops.
- Protected ship and personnel by signaling passing vessels with flashing lights, flags, radios and whistles.
Merchant Mariner Dangerous Liquid
Petroleum Services Group
Baton Rouge, LA
03.1995 - 03.1997
- Managed procurement processes, ensuring timely availability of petroleum products to meet operational needs.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the organization.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and product knowledge.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
Operations Specialist Second Class
United States Navy, USN
Jacksonville, FL
02.1989 - 01.1993
- Trained junior personnel on equipment operation and safety protocols, fostering a culture of compliance.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to streamline daily operations.
- Assisted with tactical planning by compiling and evaluating important operations and intelligence data.
- Monitored communications to detect important information related to current and planned military operations.
- Conveyed communication between military personnel at home and war zone bases.
Education
High School Diploma -
Liberty High School
Mountain View, MOSkills
- Boat handling
- Mooring operations
- Team management
- Maritime regulations
- Route planning
- Emergency management
- First aid proficiency
- Environmental awareness
- Navigation expertise
- Weather forecasting
- Vessel maintenance
- Electronic equipment operation
- Safety procedures implementation
- Radar operation
- Fuel management
- Radio communication
- Relationship building
- Customer relations
- Strategic leadership
- Safety management
- Operational planning
- Training facilitation
- Staff development
- Problem analysis
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Leadership skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Crew oversight
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Vessel navigation
- Navigation tools
- Safety procedures
- Ship maintenance and security
- Marine vessel operation
- USCG regulations
- Boat steering
- Task prioritization
- Route navigation
- Vessel inspection
- Risk assessment
- Goal setting
- Professionalism
- Safety Equipment
- Crew supervision
- Adaptability
- Maintenance management
- Cargo handling
- Navigation equipment
- Route navigation software
- Decision-making
- Safety protocols
- Analytical thinking
- Time management abilities
- Emergency planning
- Crew management
- Equipment maintenance
Certification
- Master of Towing Vessels Upon Great Lakes, Inland Waters, and Western Rivers License - 2008-Present
Posted on ICWW from New Orleans to Corpus Christi, Entire Illinois River, Lower Mississippi, Entire Ohio, Tennesee River to Knoxville, Cumberland River to Nashville, Atchafalaya River and Red River to Alexandria
Timeline
Boat Captain
Canal Barge Company
03.1997 - 11.2025
Merchant Mariner Dangerous Liquid
Petroleum Services Group
03.1995 - 03.1997
Operations Specialist Second Class
United States Navy, USN
02.1989 - 01.1993
High School Diploma -
Liberty High School