I am in the process of getting a job as an oiler for the Alaska Marine Highway System, aka the Alaska Ferry. Is anyone here working for them? How did you like it? What advice could you give for someone who wants to work for them?
I have not worked for them in many years but will say that there are aspects of the job that will test your patience and sense of humor. But, if you live in Alaska and are serious about a maritime career, the AMHS probably offers you the best job in Alaska with the best benefits and a clear path of advancement.
Don’t blow it.
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Learn the contracts front to back so payroll and dispatch can’t jerk you around, because they’ll try.
If you go southwest as a relief to the one-crew boats (Tustumena and Aurora), you can essentially work as much as you want.
It’s a good place to cut your teeth - the oilers and juniors are responsible for doing maintenance on a lot of equipment that would otherwise be left to the 3rd AE on deep sea vessels.
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