Our freighters are considered uninspected fishery tender vessels. The vessels are about 260 feet long and nearly 500 gross tons. All of our vessels have refrigerated cargo holds. The crew size is about eight to nine people. Our vessels carry palletized general freight from our terminal on the Seattle’s Ship Canal up to various ports in Western Alaska, Bristol Bay, and the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. Palletized frozen seafood then returns with us southbound to Seattle. We operate all year, with seasonal highs and lows.

Given the nature of the cargo we transport, our chief engineers must have experience with refrigeration plants and hydraulic systems.

As for main engines, our vessels use Caterpillars ranging between 2000 to 3084 combined HP.

Chief engineers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's propulsion machinery, refrigeration, and the various mechanical and electrical systems, required for the voyage. They are is also responsible for fueling, pollution control, ballasting, logs, procurement, and inventory control. The Chief Engineer reports directly to the shoreside Port Engineer and is supervised by the Captain.

• A Coast Guard Licenses: DDE 4000 or greater required (STCW not necessary.

• Refrigeration experience is also required. The temperature control of refrigerated/frozen cargo is of the utmost priority. Our vessels use R-22 and R-507 refrigerants.

• Coordinates temperature control of various cargo holds with the captain and the mate.

• Prevents equipment failure through proper maintenance and operation.

• Handle required voyage repairs.

• Maintains engine room logs with an attention to detail and records all repairs required by shoreside maintenance personnel.

• Inspects and monitors all shipboard machinery, including check temperatures, pressures, and fluid levels then making repairs as required and reporting problems to back shoreside maintenance personnel.

• Maintains or ensures cleanliness of engineering spaces.

• Maintains the vessel parts inventory levels.

Underway watch rotation with the unlicensed assistant is 6 on/6 off, or 12 on/12 off, depending on the chief engineer's preference. This is a job for a working chief but no non-engineering deck work is required. Work during cargo operations in Alaskan ports consists of maintenance and repair. Chief engineers must be prepared to perform maintenance tasks with little or no assistance.

You must have a drug test and pass a physical examination for this position. Medical and dental insurance as well as a 401k plan are offered after a trial period.

All crew undergo rigorous fire-fighting and respiratory protection training throughout their employment. People with respiratory problems, or anyone who experiences claustrophobia while wearing respirators, should keep this in mind when applying.