Robert Buie
Killen
Summary
Motivated and results driven worker with 11 years of maritime experience. Operated and maneuvered up to 17 barges, ensuring safe and timely navigation. Adept at coordinating with captains, port captains, and dispatch to ensure efficient, on-time operations. Skilled in operation and maintaining barge machinery, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and effectively communicating with crew and dock personnel. Dedicated to following all safety protocols and procedures to operate on water safety. Seeking to leverage my expertise to contribute meaningfully to your company.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pilot
Guntersville Marine
Guntersville, AL
02.2026 - Current
- Safely operate and navigate the tugboat to move barges, do dock swaps, and build tows.
- Maintained daily log books in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Communicate with crew members, captains, and dispatch.
- Collaborate with crew members on daily operations to enhance overall effectiveness and safety.
- Operate towing vessel, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and industry standards to maintain operational integrity.
Pilot
Tennessee Valley Towing
Paducah, KY
01.2020 - 01.2026
- Maneuvered 17 barges through challenging waterways, facilitating safe transport and minimizing operational risks.
- Navigated diverse waterways, optimizing routes for efficiency and safety.
- Collaborated with crew members to execute towing operations smoothly and effectively.
- Operated towing vessels, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and industry standards to maintain operational integrity.
- Conducted pre-departure inspections to ensure vessel readiness and operational integrity.
- Maintained accurate logs of all operational activities in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Chief Engineer
Tennessee Valley Towing
Paducah, KY
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Ensured safety of crew, vessel, and tow operations by promoting, practicing, and enforcing safety systems which includes audits, drills, investigations, contacts, and safety logs.
- Ensured safe vessel operations through regular monitoring and servicing of vessel systems (i.e., engines, steering, electrical, etc.)
- Transferred of fuels, lubricants, and bilge from fuel flats in accordance with established procedures.
- Maintained logs of engine hours, fuel transfers, and other vessel systems as required.
- Maintained engine room through regular cleaning, painting, and maintenance.
- Conducted repairs to vessel engines, generators, and other vessel systems.
- Complied with and enforce Unites States Coast Guard and environmental regulations, and company policies and procedures.
Deckhand/Mate
Tennessee Valley Towing
Paducah, KY
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with crew members, captains, and other personnel aboard a vessel.
- Assisted captain and supervisory personnel in maintaining vessel equipment and systems.
- Built and checked tow by utilizing various tools/equipment including but not limited to wrenches, ratchets, shackles, chain straps, and wires/cables.
- Moved and stacked sets of rigging throughout the vessel and barges.
- Moved pumps and hoses about the barges and placed hoses in wing tank/void for removal of water.
- Assisted with the stocking and delivery of various supplies.
- Completed skiff operations to allow the crew to go ashore and come aboard the vessel.
- Completed processes to allow the vessel to take on fuel (inland division) and put out sounders at the head of the barge (river division).
- Conducted daily and periodic cleaning tasks including but not limited to trash removal, mopping, scraping, sanding, and painting.
- Coordinated with other crew members to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.
Skills
- Time and task management
- Crew resource management
- Weather analysis and interpretation
- Documentation skills
- Critical thinking
- Project management
- Project planning
- Data analysis
- Teamwork
- Clear communication
- Physical fitness for maritime environment
- Decision making and problem solving
Certification
- Masters - of self-propelled vessels not including sail or auxiliary sail of less than 100 gross registers tone (GRT) upon Inland Waters
- Masters - of towing vessels upon Western Rivers
- Mate - of self-propelled vessels not including sail or auxiliary sail of less than 200 gross tons (GRT) upon Inland Waters
- Mate (Pilot) - of towing vessels upon Greater Lakes, Inland Waters, and Western Rivers
- Radar Observer (Unlimited)
- Ordinary Seaman
- Wiper
- Steward's Department (F.H.)
- Basic Training
- Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Timeline
Pilot
Guntersville Marine
02.2026 - Current
Pilot
Tennessee Valley Towing
01.2020 - 01.2026
Chief Engineer
Tennessee Valley Towing
01.2017 - 01.2020
Deckhand/Mate
Tennessee Valley Towing
01.2015 - 01.2017