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Tug Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Island Tug and Barge CO.

Captain

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Company Description Island Tug and Barge Co. has operated as an independent, family-owned marine transportation company in Puget Sound since 1979. What began with a single vessel has grown into a ...

Crowley Maritime Corporation

2ND MATE

Anchorage, AK

$24.75 - $27.50/hr

Crowley is actively hiring for an Second Mate in our Western Alaska Crowley Fuels tug and barge fleet. This position is a great fit for someone looking for adventure! Have you ever wanted to see a ...

Vitus Energy, LLC

Captain - Master

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The Master is responsible for the safe operation of the tug and barge while underway, idle, and while engaged in cargo operations. The Master will provide directions to the crew, including setting ...

Vitus Energy LLC

Captain - Master

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The Master is responsible for the safe operation of the tug and barge while underway, idle, and while engaged in cargo operations. The Master will provide directions to the crew, including setting ...

Bristol Bay Fuels

Mate

Kenai, AK · On-site

Tug and Barge experience required. * Valid Driver's License is required. * Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is required Preferred Qualifications: * High school Diploma or GED is ...

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Tug information

See Alaska salary details

$8

$22

$52

How much do tug jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug in Alaska is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug?

Tugs, also known as tugboats, are specialized vessels designed to maneuver other vessels by pushing or towing them. They are commonly used in harbors, ports, and canals to assist ships in docking, undocking, and navigating through tight or crowded areas. Tugs are equipped with powerful engines and are highly maneuverable, making them essential for moving large ships that can't easily navigate these spaces on their own.

What does a tug do?

Tugboat operators are primarily responsible for maneuvering large vessels, such as ships and barges, safely in and out of harbors, docks, and through narrow waterways. A typical day involves monitoring weather and water conditions, maintaining communication with port authorities, pilots, and ship captains, and ensuring the tug and its equipment are in good working order. Tugboat operators work closely with deckhands and engineers on board, as well as with external crews, to coordinate towing, docking, and undocking procedures. This role requires strong teamwork, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to respond quickly to changing situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tug?

To thrive as a Tugboat Operator, you need a strong understanding of maritime navigation, vessel handling, and safety procedures, usually supported by a relevant license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with marine communication systems, towing equipment, and GPS navigation technology is essential. Excellent teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels, protecting crew, cargo, and the environment in busy port and harbor operations.

What is the difference between Tug vs Crane Operator?

AspectTugCrane Operator
CredentialsMaritime licenses, certifications in vessel operationCrane operation certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentMaritime, dockyards, portsConstruction sites, industrial facilities, ports
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, port operationsConstruction, manufacturing, shipping

While both Tug and Crane Operator roles involve heavy machinery, Tug operators primarily work on water, maneuvering vessels in ports and harbors, requiring maritime certifications. Crane Operators work on land, operating cranes in construction or industrial settings, with certifications focused on crane safety. Both roles are essential in port and shipping industries but differ mainly in environment and specific skills.

How to get hired on a tugboat?

To get hired as a tugboat crew member, candidates typically need relevant maritime experience, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and certifications such as Basic Safety Training and Marine Radio Operator Permit. Employers often require physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment, with job opportunities available through maritime unions, shipping companies, or specialized job boards.

What jobs are there on a tugboat?

Jobs on a tugboat include deckhand, engineer, captain, and mate, each requiring specific skills and certifications. Deckhands assist with towing operations and vessel maintenance, while engineers handle engine and mechanical systems. These roles demand safety training, maritime certifications, and familiarity with navigation and communication tools.

What are popular job titles related to Tug jobs in Alaska?

For Tug jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tug jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Tug jobs in Alaska are:

Tug jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,550 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Engineer - Summer Seasonal

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Engineer

Seasonal Opportunity | Cook Inlet Tug & Barge

Location: Alaska

Bonus Available!!!

Set Sail on an Alaska Maritime Adventure

If you're an experienced Marine Engineer ready to maintain and operate propulsion and vessel systems in some of the most dynamic and challenging waters in the world, this is your opportunity to play a critical role at sea.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge-Alaska's premier tug and barge operator-is seeking an exceptional Marine Engineer for the upcoming season. This role offers the opportunity to support towing vessels that power essential maritime operations across Southcentral and Western Alaska while working alongside highly skilled crews committed to safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

This role is well-suited for seasoned marine engineering professionals who thrive in hands-on mechanical environments, problem-solving, and system reliability-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.

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Vessel Engineer

As a Vessel Engineer, you maintain the heart of the vessel to ensure it is working properly.You are responsible for:

  • Maintaining all machinery, equipment and systems, including main propulsion, auxiliary power generation, ancillary, deck and cargo handling.
  • Ensuring proper operations of control, monitoring, and alarm components and systems all while maintaining a safe work environment on the vessel.
  • Implementing company policies and procedures, and general maritime industry standards wherever applicable.
  • Check and maintains fuel/fluid levels in all tanks within the vessel, taking monthly oil samples for analysis and is responsible for vessel bunkering operations, as well as, following established fueling procedures, maintaining adequate inventory levels of critical spares and general vessel parts.

In Alaska, you are working in remote geography and will need to perform safe and effective repairs with limited resources and outside support while under tight time constraints.

Required Qualifications

  • Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential required/PIC and HAZWOPER preferred.Minimum of a QMED (Engineer License preferred). 4000 horsepower engineer license preferred.
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
  • Valid 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:

  • Minimum of five years of previous experience during the last 15 years as a Marine Engineer preferred.
  • Skilled with various equipment, namely what equipment is 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
How to Apply

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.

Apply