Merchant Marine Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Captain Seasonal Opportunity | Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Season Dates: May-October 2026
Location: Alaska

Generous Sign-On Bonus Available

Lead on the Water in One of Alaska's Most Demanding Marine Environments If you're an experienced Captain ready to lead crews through some of the most dynamic and challenging waters in the world, this is your opportunity to take the helm.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge-Alaska's premier tug and barge operator-is seeking an exceptional Captain for the upcoming season. This role offers the opportunity to command towing vessels supporting critical maritime operations across Southcentral and Western Alaska while leading highly skilled crews with a strong commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence.

This role is well-suited for seasoned maritime leaders who thrive in responsibility, decision-making, and hands-on vessel command-and who value a defined seasonal schedule paired with meaningful, high-impact work.

Why Join Cook Inlet Tug & Barge?

Work That Matters
Our crews support critical maritime logistics in remote Alaskan waters-this is not routine coastal sailing. Every voyage counts.

Adventure Built In
Experience Alaska from the deck of a working tug-remote ports, challenging conditions, and unforgettable scenery included.

Seasonal Structure
A defined season (four to eight months) allows you to focus fully on the work, then recharge or pursue other opportunities in the off-season.

Crew-First Safety Culture
Health and safety are not slogans here-they're expectations, reinforced daily by leadership and crew alike.

Roles and Responsibilities

As Captain you are responsible for:

• Ensuring crew's welfare and training in areas such as safety, firefighting, search and rescue.
• Ensure the safe navigation of the vessel at all times.
• Conducts required drills, training, safety meetings and maintains records of such, per company policy.
• Conducts and ensures compliance with vessel maintenance and inspection requirements as prescribed by the company.
• Inspects vessel to ensure conformance with safety standards and maritime regulations.
• Work closely with customers, pilots and appropriate government agencies to ensure the proper performance of the job.
• Ensures prompt and accurate reporting of all equipment failures, illnesses, incidents, accidents and damages.
• Maintains current knowledge of all maritime laws.
• Directs and supervises crew members in safe and productive operation of the vessel, its machinery and equipment.
• Holds crew accountable for their adherence to maritime law, company policies and procedures, and their individual performance/productivity.
• Evaluate all crew members in accordance with Company policy and take action as necessary.
• Implement company policies and procedures, and general maritime industry standards to maintain a safe work environment.
• Focus on water depth, weather, surging and other traffic.

Required Qualifications

Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential required/ STCW, HAZWOPER, and PIC (preferred).Must possess and maintain a National Master 200 GT or greater license, National Master of Towing, STCW, Radar Endorsement, MMC, and TWIC.

• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Valid state driver's license.
• Valid United States Passport.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check with qualifications to enter Canada.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Experience and Skills

• 5 years experience as a Master or Operating Mate on towing vessels.
• A marine operations background and are familiar with shipyards, and tugs.
• Extensive knowledge of Maritime regulations and current updates.
• Skilled with equipment best suited to handle the job at hand.

Working conditions & Physical Requirements

• Lodging and meals provided onboard the vessel
• Company-provided transportation to and from the vessel
• Must be physically capable of:
  • Boarding tugs and barges
  • Ascending and descending ladders
  • Balancing and working safely in a seaway
  • Kneeling, stooping, reaching overhead, and standing for extended periods
• Comfortable working at heights and on narrow walkways
• Ability to work 12-hour days, every day, for the full season
• Regular exposure to all weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, ice, and heat

Submit your application today at:
https://www.cookinlettug.com/careers

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. We are a drug-free workplace and participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.