Christopher Kilgar
Louisville,KY
Summary
Knowledgeable Senior Lead Deckhand with extensive experience in maritime operations and leadership. Successfully managed deck crew activities, ensuring smooth and safe operations aboard various vessels. Demonstrated expertise in operations and maintenance, contributing to efficiency and crew safety.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Lead Deckhand
American Commercial Barge Line
Jeffersonville, IN
07.2021 - Current
- Hired as inexperienced Deckhand onto the MV Mike Weisend moving up to Lead and then Senior Lead Deckhand on the same vessel.
- during my time on the vessel I was responsible for daily operations, Training, Supply orders, deck aspects of COI and Sire inspections and led the deck aspect of the vessels name change, repainting and christening as the MV Lori Blocker.
- Current Senior Lead Deckhand on the MV ACBL Mariner.
- Directly involved with initial kitting of vessel, New Vessel COI and Sire inspections, Sea trials and into service requirements,
- Tripped on multiple ACBL Vessels of different sizes and areas of operations.
- Experienced Lower and upper Mississippi, Ohio and Illinois river Senior Lead Deckhand, Capable of Working large and small tows, fleet work and all locking operations. Works with wheelhouse to maintain VGP Compliant Vessels and tows.
- Support Vessel, BLS, CPR and AED trained.
- Manages and conducts training from new hires to Junior Deck Leadership.
- Received apprentice mate of towing vessels upon western river, medical certificate and FCC license April 2025.
- Supervised deck operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and operational standards.
- Managed inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring readiness for various operational demands.
- Collaborated with crew members to execute emergency drills, reinforcing safety preparedness across teams.
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness of the vessel, upholding high standards of presentation both on deck and below deck areas.
- Conducted regular drills for man overboard, fire-fighting, abandon ship scenarios – reinforcing preparedness among crew members.
- Enhanced team efficiency by implementing streamlined deck operations and daily task delegation.
- Reduced accident risks with diligent adherence to safety protocols and continuous crew training.
Corporal
Royal Air Force
Lossiemouth, Scotland, United Kingdom
08.2009 - 07.2021
- Infantry section commander responsible for 8 soldiers daily and up to 26 occasionally, delegation of duties and tasks, mission planning and execution, training and discipline duties.
- range conductor, weapons instructor, first aid instructor, platoon medic and radio signaller.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Assistant
Wm Morrisons Supermarket
Hull, United Kingdom
06.2004 - 07.2009
Education
GED -
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services
Little Rock, AR03-2022
High School Diploma -
St Marys College
Hull, United Kingdom07.2004
Skills
- Deck equipment operation
- Splicing ropes
- Firefighting training
- Marine communications
- Safety procedures and emergency response
- Environmental compliance
- Ship security
- Vessel maintenance, cleaning and painting
- Strong work ethic
- Team leadership experience
Accomplishments
Became US Citizen October 2024
Certification
- Basic marine firefighting
- BLS, CPR and AED
- TWIC
- MMC
- Apprentice mate of towing vessels upon western rivers
- Medical certificate
- FCC radio operator
Timeline
Senior Lead Deckhand
American Commercial Barge Line
07.2021 - Current
Corporal
Royal Air Force
08.2009 - 07.2021
Assistant
Wm Morrisons Supermarket
06.2004 - 07.2009
GED -
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services
High School Diploma -
St Marys College