Sidney Blakemore is the Director of Mariner Development at Canal Barge Company, where he leads training, career progression, and workforce development initiatives across the combined Canal Barge and Marquette Gulf Inland fleets. Having started his maritime career as a deckhand more than 15 years ago, Sidney has served in operations, recruiting, safety, quality, and leadership development, bringing firsthand experience to every stage of a mariner’s career.

Passionate about developing people and strengthening the maritime workforce, Sidney is proud to serve on the We Work the Waterways Advisory Council. He is excited to help inspire the next generation of maritime professionals by creating opportunities for students and future mariners to discover rewarding careers on the waterways.