Evansville Marine Service, Inc

Evansville Marine Service, Inc We are committed to providing efficient, reliable and responsible marine services to all of our internal and external customers, while placing safety first.

🌡️☀️ Heat Safety Reminder ☀️🌡️With the humidity and temperatures continuing to rise, we would like to remind everyone of...
06/10/2026

🌡️☀️ Heat Safety Reminder ☀️🌡️

With the humidity and temperatures continuing to rise, we would like to remind everyone of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, how to prevent it, and what to do if you or a coworker begins showing symptoms.

🤝 Remember, heat stress doesn't just affect you—it affects your entire crew. Keep an eye on your coworkers, speak up if you're not feeling well, and don't be afraid to take a break when needed.

Stay hydrated. Stay alert. Stay safe. Your health and safety are everyone's responsibility.

💧☀️

⚓ Tuesday Towboat Terminology ⚓This week’s term: DeadmanNo, not the wrestling move 😄 — on the river, a Deadman is a he...
06/09/2026

⚓ Tuesday Towboat Terminology ⚓

This week’s term: Deadman

No, not the wrestling move 😄 — on the river, a Deadman is a heavy-duty buried anchor used to secure towboats and barges to the shoreline when there aren’t docks or mooring structures available.

🔹 A deadman relies on the weight and strength of the earth itself to provide massive holding power for marine operations.

💡 How does it work?
▪️ A large object (concrete block, pipe, pilings, etc.) is buried deep into the riverbank
▪️ Heavy wire rope, chain, or tie-rods connect it to an above-ground tie-off point
▪️ The surrounding earth absorbs the force and keeps vessels securely in place

⚙️ Common uses on the river:
▪️ Fleet Mooring – Safely securing groups of barges along the bank
▪️ High Water Conditions – Providing strong tie-off points during changing river levels and currents
▪️ Remote Tie-Ups – Used where there are no trees, docks, or structures strong enough for mooring

💪 Why it matters:
Deadmen provide dependable holding power in some of the toughest river conditions, helping keep vessels secure and crews safe.

Out on the river, sometimes the strongest equipment is the part you can’t even see ⚓

Stay tuned for more each week! ⚓

Not your typical field trip!It was a beautiful morning to get out on the river and see just a small part of what our cre...
06/03/2026

Not your typical field trip!

It was a beautiful morning to get out on the river and see just a small part of what our crews do every day. The M/V Baker Nicole was assisting our Green River cleaning crew by bringing a crane barge into the fleet so our guys could get to work doing what they do best!

There's never a dull day on the river, and it's always impressive to see the teamwork and precision that go into every job. Thanks to our crews for all they do! 🚢⚓

⚓ Tuesday Towboat Terminology ⚓This week’s term: WheelhouseEver wondered where the captain controls a towboat and navi...
06/02/2026

⚓ Tuesday Towboat Terminology ⚓

This week’s term: Wheelhouse

Ever wondered where the captain controls a towboat and navigates massive barge tows? Welcome to the command center 👇

🔹 The Wheelhouse is the elevated control center of a towboat where captains and pilots steer, communicate, and safely navigate the river.

💡 What’s inside the wheelhouse?
▪️ Steering & Engine Controls – Hydraulic steering levers, throttles, and maneuvering controls
▪️ Navigation Equipment – GPS, radar, depth sounders, and marine radios
▪️ Camera Systems – CCTV monitors help crews see blind spots and barge faces
▪️ Winch Controls – Allow operators to monitor and adjust tow rigging tension

⚙️ Built for visibility:
Wheelhouses are positioned high above the deck so pilots can see over long barge tows. Some can even raise or lower hydraulically to clear bridges and improve visibility.

🪑 Fun Fact:
Towboat captains often spend long hours in specialized helm chairs designed for comfort and quick access to controls.

The wheelhouse is truly the brain of the boat—where experience, technology, and teamwork come together to safely move commerce down the river 💪

Stay tuned for more each week! ⚓

We are delighted to announce the upcoming retirement of Captain Carl Darnell, who has devoted his life to the river indu...
06/01/2026

We are delighted to announce the upcoming retirement of Captain Carl Darnell, who has devoted his life to the river industry for an incredible 56 years traveling the Western Rivers.

Carl began his career in 1970 with St. Louis Shipyard, starting as a deckhand while also developing valuable skills in welding, fitting, and crane operation. At just 19 years old, when the Coast Guard began requiring licenses to operate certain vessels, Carl took the opportunity to earn his OUTV license — and the journey truly began.

After spending another seven years there, Carl continued his career with Riverway for seven more years operating various vessels. During that time, he made connections that led him toward obtaining his Master’s license to operate casino vessels.

Carl then went to Kansas City, where he served as a mate aboard the Argosy Casino for a year before coming to Evansville to serve as Master of Casino Aztar for twelve years.

When the casino transitioned to shore-based operations, Carl ventured back into the towing industry, briefly working for Cenac Towing on the Lower Mississippi River before deciding it was not quite the right fit. He then went to work for Ohio Valley Marine Service for approximately four years, followed by nearly nine and a half years with Inland Marine. As Inland transitioned away from the Green River, Carl moved on to work along the Tennessee River.

In 2020, Carl officially joined the E.M.S. family full-time, though his presence with E.M.S. has been felt for the past 25–30 years while tripping in the harbor and aboard our line boats. We have truly shared a remarkable journey together.

Captain Carl is currently making his final trip on the Green and Ohio Rivers and is set to retire on June 8th when he makes his final crew change.

Please join us in thanking Captain Carl for his decades of hard work, dedication, leadership, and service to the river industry. We wish him nothing but the absolute best as he begins this next chapter of retirement.

Congratulations, Captain Carl — enjoy your well-earned retirement!

We are delighted to announce the upcoming retirement of Captain Joseph Copeland.Captain Joe began his adult career by jo...
05/29/2026

We are delighted to announce the upcoming retirement of Captain Joseph Copeland.

Captain Joe began his adult career by joining the United States Navy in 1978, where he proudly served for six years before being honorably discharged. Thank you, Captain Joe, for your service to our country.

It wasn’t until 1993 that Joe began his river career, starting with Tolen Marine as a deckhand for approximately one year. He then spent a short time with Marquette on the Lower Mississippi River before beginning what would become a long and respected career on the inland waterways.

In 1995, Captain Joe joined Illinois Marine Towing as a deckhand, working his way up to the wheelhouse. During his time there, he worked both harbor and line boat operations along the Illinois River from Lemont, Illinois, to Chicago. He dedicated approximately eleven years to the company while building the experience and leadership skills that would define his career.

In 2006, Joe went to work for Missouri Barge Line, remaining with the company through its transitions to AEP and later TVT. Throughout those years, he maintained his position while also covering operations on the Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers.

In 2019, Captain Joe joined the E.M.S. family, initially running on the Green River before transitioning to unit tows operating along the Ohio, Illinois, Upper Mississippi, and Lower Mississippi Rivers.

Captain Joe is currently making his final trip and will make his last crew change on June 8th. It has certainly been a pleasure working alongside you, sir.

Please join us in thanking Captain Joe for his years of dedication, hard work, leadership, and service to both our country and the river industry. We wish him nothing but the very best as he begins this next chapter.

Happy Retirement, Captain Joe!

⚓ Tuesday Towboat Terminology ⚓This week’s term: BargeYou see them on the river every day—but what exactly is a barge? 👇...
05/26/2026

⚓ Tuesday Towboat Terminology ⚓

This week’s term: Barge

You see them on the river every day—but what exactly is a barge? 👇

🔹 A Barge is a flat-bottomed vessel designed to carry heavy or bulky cargo. Most are unpowered and rely on towboats to push or pull them along inland waterways.

💡 What makes barges so important?
▪️ Built for Heavy Loads – Strong steel construction to move massive amounts of cargo
▪️ Efficient Design – Flat bottoms maximize capacity and stability
▪️ Versatile Use – Transport everything from grain and coal to fuel and equipment

⚙️ Common types of barges:
▪️ Deck Barges – Carry equipment, machinery, and oversized loads
▪️ Hopper Barges – Used for dry bulk like grain, sand, and coal
▪️ Tank Barges – Designed for liquid cargo like fuel and chemicals
▪️ Specialized Barges – Crane barges, dredging barges, and more

🚧 Why it matters:
Just one barge can replace dozens of trucks or railcars—making river transportation one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly ways to move goods.

Stay tuned for more each week! ⚓

🇺🇸🇺🇸This Memorial Day, we want to take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in se...
05/25/2026

🇺🇸🇺🇸This Memorial Day, we want to take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we enjoy the freedoms we have today. From everyone at Evansville Marine Service, we are forever grateful.🇺🇸🇺🇸

We also wish everyone at home and out on the river a safe and meaningful holiday. With increased traffic on the waterways today, our boats will be sharing the river with many pleasure crafts—please stay alert and safe out there.

Happy National Maritime Day – May 22 ⚓Today we proudly recognize National Maritime Day, a day set aside in the United St...
05/22/2026

Happy National Maritime Day – May 22 ⚓

Today we proudly recognize National Maritime Day, a day set aside in the United States to honor the vital role the maritime industry plays in our nation’s strength, security, and economy.

Established by Congress in 1933, this day commemorates the historic voyage of the SS Savannah—the first steamship to cross the Atlantic in 1819—and recognizes the generations of mariners who have kept America moving forward ever since.

From transporting goods that fuel our economy to supporting national defense during times of war, the American Merchant Marine has always answered the call. We especially honor the more than 250,000 Merchant Mariners who served during World War II—many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

At Evansville Marine Service, we are proud to be part of this tradition and grateful for every mariner, past and present, who keeps our waterways running safely and efficiently.

A special thank you as well to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and all those who continue to support and strengthen our maritime industry nationwide.

Join us in honoring all who serve on the water—today and every day. 🇺🇸

⚓ Tuesday Towboat Terminology ⚓This week’s term: GalleyLife on a towboat isn’t just about moving cargo—it’s also about l...
05/19/2026

⚓ Tuesday Towboat Terminology ⚓

This week’s term: Galley

Life on a towboat isn’t just about moving cargo—it’s also about living on the river 👇

🔹 The Galley is the kitchen and gathering space where the crew eats, relaxes, and recharges during their hitch.

💡 What makes a towboat galley unique?
▪️ Feeds the Crew – Provides all meals for crews that can include 8+ people
▪️ Commercial Setup – Equipped with full-size stoves, refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers
▪️ Built for the River – Everything is secured and designed to handle movement on the water
▪️ Comfort Matters – Ventilation helps manage heat, steam, and keeps things comfortable below deck

🍽 More than a kitchen:
The galley is the heart of the boat—a place where crews come together after long shifts to eat, talk, and unwind.

Out here, good food and a solid galley go a long way 💪

Stay tuned for more each week! ⚓

Address

2300 Broadway Avenue
Evansville, IN
47712

Telephone

+18124249278

Website

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