Summer Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mate of Tow Seasonal Opportunity | Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Season Dates: 2026 Summer Seasonal

Location: Alaska

If you’re an experienced Mate of Tow ready to support vessel operations in some of the most dynamic and challenging waters in the world, this is your opportunity to advance your career at sea.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge—Alaska’s premier tug and barge operator—is seeking a skilled Mate of Tow for the upcoming season. This role offers the opportunity to work aboard towing vessels supporting critical maritime operations across Southcentral and Western Alaska while contributing to safe navigation, efficient deck operations, and strong crew coordination.

This role is well-suited for maritime professionals who take pride in seamanship, situational awareness, and hands-on vessel operations—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 of a Mate of Tow

Working at the direction of the Captain to perform various tasks such as: 

• Ensuring crew's welfare and training in areas such as safety, firefighting, search and rescue. 
• Ensure the safe navigation of the vessel while steering, operating, pushing, and pulling barges and other vessels under tow, while docking, or unloading. 
• 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. 
• Keeping the tow wire clear of the bottom, navigational aids, and other vessels. 
• Assist with inspections and conduct required drills, training, safety meetings and records per company policy to include essential notifications. 

Required Qualifications

• Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential required/ STCW, HAZWOPER. Mate of Towing 200 GT near coastal
• Any AB rating (Able Seaman), Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) and Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boat with Life Boatman (preferred). 
• 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 qualification to enter Canada. 
• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

• 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.

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