Captain

Island Tug and Barge CO.; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Island Tug and Barge Co. seeks a Captain to oversee the safe and efficient operation of tug and barge vessels on routes in Puget Sound, Alaska, and Pacific Northwest waters. You will plan voyages, supervise cargo handling, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes leadership, safety culture, and coordination with dispatch and customers, with the majority of work at sea and in port, and some remote coordination tasks.

Qualifications

• Experience commanding tug and barge operations, coastal and inland waters, and voyage planning.
• Strong safety culture and regulatory compliance knowledge, including USCG rules and environmental standards.
• Proven leadership to train, supervise, and support diverse crews under dynamic conditions.
• Experience with industrial cargo (aggregate, cement, fuel, deck cargo) and port ops in PNW/Alaska.
• Clear communication and meticulous documentation with customers and shore teams.
• USCG Master credential appropriate to vessels operated; TWIC and endorsements preferred.
• Demonstrated Puget Sound and Alaska operating experience with safety and reliability.
• Ability to work in varying weather, rotating schedules, and pass medical/drug/background screenings.

Responsibilities

• Plan voyages, navigate vessels, and maneuver safely on assigned routes.
• Oversee cargo handling, transfers, and seaworthiness; monitor vessel systems.
• Lead and mentor crew; promote safety culture and conduct drills.
• Ensure compliance with USCG regulations and company policies.
• Maintain communication with dispatch, customers, and shore management.

Skills

Vessel command & navigation

Safety & regulatory compliance

Leadership & crew management

Cargo handling & port operations

Communication & documentation

USCG Master credential (preferred)

Puget Sound & Alaska experience

Medical, drug & background screening

Job description

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 working fleet that moves industrial cargo such as aggregate, cement, deck cargo, and fuel to destinations from Puget Sound through the Inside Passage to Ketchikan and key Pacific Northwest ports, including Seattle, Tacoma, DuPont, and Shelton. The company’s focus is on reliable service for customers and a strong commitment to the crews who operate its vessels. Island Tug and Barge values experienced maritime professionals and continues to build its reputation on safety, teamwork, and long-term relationships. The company actively hires USCG-credentialed Masters, Mates, Engineers, and Deckhands with Puget Sound and Alaska experience.

Role Description The Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tug and barge vessels on assigned routes in Puget Sound, Alaska, and other Pacific Northwest waters. Day-to-day tasks include voyage planning, navigation, and maneuvering; overseeing cargo handling and transfers; monitoring vessel systems and seaworthiness; and ensuring compliance with USCG regulations, company policies, and environmental standards. The Captain leads and mentors crew members, promotes a strong safety culture, conducts drills, and maintains clear communication with dispatch, customers, and shore-side management. This is a full-time role and is primarily performed at sea and in port; however, certain administrative and coordination responsibilities may be completed remotely.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong vessel command and navigation skills, including experience with tug and barge operations, coastal and inland waters, and voyage planning.
• Candidates should possess comprehensive safety, regulatory, and compliance skills, including knowledge of USCG requirements, environmental regulations, and emergency response procedures.
• Candidates should possess proven leadership and crew management skills, including the ability to train, supervise, and support diverse crews in dynamic working conditions.
• Candidates should possess cargo handling and marine operations skills, including experience with industrial cargo (aggregate, cement, fuel, deck cargo) and port operations in the PNW and Alaska.
• Candidates should possess clear communication and documentation skills, including logkeeping, incident reporting, and coordination with customers and shore-side teams.
• USCG Master credential appropriate to the vessels operated; valid TWIC card and relevant endorsements or licenses are strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated Puget Sound and Alaska operating experience, with a strong record of safety and reliability.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions, on rotating schedules, and to pass required medical, drug, and background screenings.