Career Opportunity: Able Bodied Seaman

Clean Professional Job Summary

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), under the State of Alaska, is currently recruiting for the position of Able Bodied Seaman. This is a critical deck-department role responsible for the safe navigation and operational maintenance of state-owned ferries. Acting under the supervision of the Deck Watch Officer, the Able Bodied Seaman performs specialized tasks including wheel watch (steering), lookout duties, and complex deck machinery operation. This position is physically demanding, requiring personnel capable of enduring long hours and extended periods at sea. AMHS is currently offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for Alaska residents committed to a nine-month term, alongside a comprehensive state benefits package.

Key Responsibilities

Navigation & Watchstanding

Wheel Watch: Execute precise steering commands by reading the compass and maintaining the specified course under the Deck Watch Officer’s supervision.
Lookout Duties: Maintain constant vigilance for navigational hazards, other vessels, and environmental conditions to ensure safe passage.
Emergency Response: Serve as an active member of the Emergency Squad, following the Muster List (Station Bill) for fire, boat, and security drills.

Deck & Cargo Operations

Vessel Mooring: Participate in “tying up and letting go” procedures, including the handling of heavy lines and the operation of windlasses and capstans.
Cargo Logistics: Facilitate the loading and unloading of the car deck; lash and unlash vehicles and freight to ensure stability in transit.
Machinery Operation: Operate essential deck equipment, including davits, winches, baggage carts, and forklifts.

Maintenance & Security

Vessel Upkeep: Assist the Boatswain with operational maintenance, sanitation, deck wash-downs, rope splicing, and rigging repair.
Security Monitoring: Monitor the car deck ramp and vessel perimeter, reporting any suspicious activity to maintain high-level security standards.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Credentialing: Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the Able Bodied Seaman endorsement.
Physical Capability: Ability to lift heavy loads, climb ladders, and remain on your feet for shifts ranging from 8 to 12 hours in varying sea states.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in line handling, knot tying, splicing, and the operation of heavy deck machinery (windlass, capstans).
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and pass a rigorous DOT-regulated drug and alcohol screening.
Residency Preference: While open to all, hiring bonuses and higher pay rates are specifically targeted toward Alaska Residents.

About the Company

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is a premier state-operated ferry service and a vital component of Alaska’s transportation infrastructure. Covering over 3,500 miles of coastline, AMHS serves over 30 communities, many of which are inaccessible by road. From the lush Inside Passage of the Southeast (SE) route to the rugged Aleutian Chain in the Southwest (SW), AMHS provides a “blue highway” for residents, tourists, and essential goods. As a State of Alaska employee, you join a mission-driven workforce dedicated to keeping the nation’s most geographically diverse state connected.

Market & Industry Context

The maritime industry in Alaska is a cornerstone of the regional economy, and the AMHS serves as the primary lifeline for coastal commerce.

Currently, the maritime sector is facing a global shortage of qualified deck ratings. AMHS has responded by offering significant incentives to secure homegrown talent. For an Able Bodied Seaman, working in Alaska offers exposure to some of the most challenging navigational environments in the world, including high-tidal ranges, glacial ice, and severe North Pacific weather, making this experience highly prestigious within the global Merchant Marine community.

Career Growth & Progression Path

AMHS is structured to reward longevity and skill acquisition through a clear Union Seniority system:

Permanent Bid Positions: Once the probationary period is complete, sailors can bid on regular assignments based on seniority.
Onboard Upgrades: During peak seasons, ABs are frequently “temporarily upgraded” to higher-paying roles, such as Boatswain, if vacancies occur.
Licensing Support: Working on AMHS vessels allows mariners to accrue “Sea Time” required by the USCG to sit for Mate or Master licenses.
Retirement & Stability: Unlike many private “tramp” shipping jobs, the State of Alaska offers a stable pension system and predictable 2-weeks-on/2-weeks-off rotations.

Interview Preparation Insights

Seniority & Union Logic: Familiarize yourself with the Inlandboatmen’s Union (IBU) structure. Understanding that assignments are based on a “bid” system is crucial for managing expectations.
Safety Protocols: Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with the Station Bill and your specific role in emergency drills. Safety is the absolute priority for state vessels.
Logistics & Commuting: Confirm you have a plan for reaching the change ports (Juneau, Ketchikan, Homer, or Valdez). AMHS does not pay for travel from your home to the change port; you must demonstrate that you can manage the commute.
Physical Resilience: Expect questions about your ability to handle “Split Shifts” and the mental health challenges of being away from home for 14+ days at a time.

Salary & Compensation Insight

Resident Rate (SE Route): Starting at $31.02 per hour.
Resident Rate (SW Route): Starting at $28.16 per hour.
Overtime: Paid at 1.5x the base rate.
Hiring Bonus: $5,000 for qualified residents (requires a 9-month commitment).
Perks: Room and board are provided on select vessels while on assignment.

Work Environment & Location Insights

Life onboard an AMHS vessel is fast-paced and communal. On larger “Hotel Ships,” crew members stay in shared quarters and dine in the officers’ or crew mess. On “Day Boats,” you may return to the home port nightly. The environment is strictly Drug and Alcohol-Free, with zero tolerance for violations. Working in the Southwest route is particularly remote and requires a high degree of self-reliance, while the Southeast route offers more frequent stops in larger Alaskan hubs.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. AMHS complies with all Department of Transportation (DOT) and USCG regulations, including mandatory drug testing. Permanent residency in Alaska is required to qualify for the Cost of Living Differential (COLD) pay rates and hiring bonuses.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) / State of Alaska
Location	Southeast (Ketchikan/Juneau) & Southwest (Homer/Valdez)
Employment Type	Full-Time Marine Vessel Personnel
Environment	Physically/mentally demanding; 24/7 shipboard operations
Status	Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace (Strict Enforcement)

Financial Compensation & Incentives

Component	Resident Rate	Non-Resident Rate
Southwest (SW) Route	$28.16 / hr	$24.67 / hr
Southeast (SE) Route	$31.02 / hr	$26.50 / hr
Hiring Bonus	$5,000 (Requires 9-month employment agreement)
Overtime	Paid at 1.5x hourly rate

Additional Incentives:

Housing Assistance: Up to 3 months accommodation on a hotel ship in Ketchikan.
Relocation: One-way, single-use ferry ticket to an approved Alaska change port.
Benefits: State of Alaska medical/dental, retirement, and accrued personal leave.

Work Schedule & Rotation

Standard Rotation: Generally 2 Weeks-On / 2 Weeks-Off.
Shift Duration: 8 to 12-hour daily shifts (may include split shifts).
Travel Responsibility: Employees are responsible for travel expenses to/from designated change ports in Alaska.
Seniority: Union seniority heavily dictates work assignments and bid position awards.

Operational Duties & Safety

Area	Key Responsibilities
Navigation	Standing wheel watch (compass steering) and lookout watch.
Deck Operations	Operating capstans, windlass, davits, winches, and forklifts.
Cargo/Logistics	Loading/unloading car decks; lashing/unlashing cargo; baggage carts.
Maintenance	Splicing rope, maintaining rigging, washing decks, and sanitation.
Emergency	Serving as a member of the Emergency Squad per the Muster List.

Required Skills & Physical Standards

Certifications: Able Bodied Seaman (AB) endorsement (Implied by title).
Mechanical: Ability to operate heavy deck machinery and forklifts.
Physical: Capable of enduring long hours, heavy lifting, and extended periods away from shore.
Experience: Previous experience in maritime operations, cargo handling, or sanitation is preferred.

Career Advancement

Upgrades: Opportunities for “temporary upgrades” to higher-paying positions during vacancies.
Bidding: After probation, employees can bid for regular assignments based on seniority and qualifications.
Pathways: Structured upward mobility within the Inlandboatmen’s Union (IBU) pay scales.

How to Apply: You must submit a complete application via the AMHS ApplicantStack link.

To apply for this job please visit www.alaska.gov.