Coastal Transportation

Who We Are

Coastal Transportation Inc. operates six Aleutian Trade Act fishery tenders, commonly called coastal freighters. Length overall varies from 220 feet to 176 feet. Five vessels are just below 500 tons. One vessel is 196 tons. Our vessels operate between Seattle and remote ports on the Alaska Peninsula, the Aleutian Islands, and elsewhere in Western Alaska. The Inside Passage is usually navigated during a portion of the voyage.

What We Do

Our vessels carry break-bulk cargo to Alaska and return with frozen seafood. All our vessels use yard and stay cargo gear. Coastal Transportation owns its own 15 acre freight facility, Salmon Bay Terminal, in the heart of Seattle, on the Ship Canal. Voyages begin and return to this terminal.

What Are the Job Requirements?

The mate’s job while underway consists of standing watch, navigating the Inside Passage or the waters of the Gulf of Alaska. During cargo operations the mate supervises and participates in the loading and unloading of cargo.

How Much Work is There?

Voyage length varies from 21 to 33 days. The average trip is about 27 days long. Four of our boats get in ten or more voyages a year. The other three boats get from five to seven voyages in.

How Much Time Off Is There?

Time off between trips varies from one day to two weeks, depending on the time of year, and crew members are released from the boat for that time. Crew members generally work three voyages in a row before taking one complete voyage off.

What Is the Size of the Crew?

The typical crew consists of a captain, chief engineer, mate, AB, wiper, deckhand, and cook. An extra deckhand or a second mate might also be carried.

What Does a Second Mate Do?

Generally the position of second mate is one of training for a chief mate’s position. A second mate does all the work normally done by an A.B. However on the Inside Passage the second mate stands a watch under the tutelage of the captain or chief mate, learning the intricacies of coastal navigation. Underway on the open sea the second mate is in charge of his or her own watch.

What is the Pay?

Beginning mates are paid from $350 - $380 per day as of 1/1/2007.

Are There Any Benefits?

Medical/Dental insurance and a 401K plan are offered after a trial period.

Persons interested should send their resume to: Port Captain, 4025 13th Ave. W., Seattle WA 98119. Or call and leave a message at 206-216-4066.