Benjamin Abel Email and Phone Number

Captain: Master of Towing. International, Inland and Great Lakes.McKinney / American Commercial Barge Line | 2004 – Present • Commanded towboat operations at Armant fleet, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, safety protocols, and operational efficiency. • Supervised and mentored crew members, fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability. • Played a significant role in developing future leaders by training and guiding deck crew in towboat operations, with several advancing to Captain roles. • Maintained a strong safety culture by identifying and addressing vessel deficiencies and addressing operational challenges. • Adapted to organizational changes, including transitioning from McKinney to ACBL during the company’s reabsorption of Armant fleet. • Collaborated with Port Captains, Port Engineers, Facility Managers, Fleet Supervisors, Mates, Lead Deckhands and other key personnel to resolve issues, optimize performance, and ensure fleet readiness.

Deckhand to Captain Progression (2001 – 2004)Deckhand, Lead Deckhand, and Fleet MateAmerican Commercial Barge Line | 2001 – 2003 • Began as a Deckhand, developing expertise in deck operations such as tow building, securing barges, and maintaining vessel readiness. • Promoted to Lead Deckhand, taking on responsibilities for task delegation, crew training, and ensuring safety compliance. • Advanced to Fleet Mate, overseeing deck operations across multiple vessels and managing workflows for tow building across the fleet. • Transitioned out of the Fleet Mate role due to a significant reduction in hours during a company restructuring, which made the position financially unsustainable. Left the role and ACBL on good terms, with an open invitation to return.DeckhandIngram Barge Company | 2003 • Joined Ingram Barge Company as a Deckhand. • Continued to build expertise in deck operations, safety compliance, and tow building before returning to the Armant fleet.Deckhand to Lead DeckhandMcKinney | 2003 – 2004 • Rehired under McKinney as a Deckhand during their management of the Armant fleet. • Worked back up to the Lead Deckhand position through strong leadership, operational efficiency, and safety-focused practices. • Obtained my Master of Towing license and began career as a Captain, marking a significant milestone in leadership and responsibility.