When foreign flag vessels call at ports in the United States, they are required to hire a local agent to assist with their port call. Alaska Maritime Agencies provides this service to ships that call at communities in Southcentral, Western, and Northern Alaska.
Alaska Maritime Agencies does not expect applicants to have a background in the maritime field, all necessary training will be provided.
Operations Department
Our Operations Department is based in Anchorage and has field offices in Dutch Harbor, Kenai, Seward, and Whittier, but Operations Agents also travel throughout the state as needed. Agents help the Master of the vessel navigate the State, Customs, and Coast Guard Regulations to which the vessels will be subject when they come to port. They also assist the vessels in setting up services like Tug Boats, Marine Pilots, Line Handlers, and Stevedores to work cargo. Operations helps manage the ships schedule, and Agents often physically attend the vessel when it is in port. They are the primary communicators with vessels, vendors, ship owners, and government agencies. Operations is typically staffed by year-round, full time employees.
Our Logistics Department supports the vessels from Anchorage by managing the flow of crew members and supplies to and from the ships while they are in Alaska. When crew members join, or sign off from, a vessel in port Logistics Department will help make hotel and ground transfer arrangements to ensure a smooth transition thorough the major transportation hubs. They also locate and procure provisions, supplies, and spare parts for vessels, and dispatch them to the various ports around the state for delivery on board. Logistics also manages the administration of Anchorage office, and supports the Field Offices as needed. Logistics has some year-round staff, but offers several seasonal employment opportunities during the summer season, including paid internships.
Our Accounting Department in Lynnwood, WA receives payments from vessel owners for the costs that the vessel incurs by using local services in Alaska. Accounting will receive, process, and pay these local vendors to ensure that the vessels remain accountable for costs before, during, and after their time in Alaska. They also provide a full and transparent rendering of accounts to the vessel after the call has been completed.
