Careers
At West Coast Tug & Barge Ltd., we take pride in our people and the essential role they play in our continued success. Since our inception in 1976, we have provided long-term, stable employment for dedicated seafarers within coastal British Columbia. We believe in fostering a supportive team environment where every employee is encouraged to contribute to all aspects of our marine operations. Together, management and crew share a commitment to safety, service excellence, and stewardship of the marine environment.
Our Commitment
Operating along the entire coast of British Columbia, we recognize the unique responsibility that comes with working in these traditional waters. We are committed to:
- Marine Safety: Maintaining the highest standards of safety for our crews, vessels, and the communities we serve. Every team member is expected to lead by example, ensuring that safety is never compromised.
- Environmental Stewardship: Protecting the marine environment by minimizing our ecological footprint and promoting sustainable practices in every aspect of our operations.
- Respect for Indigenous Waters & Communities: We acknowledge and respect the Indigenous Nations whose territories we work within. Building strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities is central to how we operate, ensuring that our activities support both collaboration and cultural awareness.
- Coastal Connectivity: Our services create vital connections along the BC coast, supporting industries, communities, and livelihoods while safeguarding the waterways that sustain them.
Joining Our Team
We are focused on assembling a dynamic team of individuals who share our values and our vision for sustainable growth and marine stewardship. Every new hire is carefully selected to ensure alignment with our company’s mandate: keeping costs competitive, increasing safety awareness, safeguarding profitability, and delivering exceptional service to our clients.
All crew members are trained to meet Transport Canada regulations, but technical skills are only part of what makes a successful member of our team.
We look for people who are:
- Physically fit and able to perform the requirements of the employment position.
- Safety conscious, attentive to detail, and professional in conduct.
- Adaptable, versatile, and effective in diverse team environments.
- Respectful of Indigenous communities, company policies, federal and provincial regulations.
- Committed to marine safety, environmental stewardship, and teamwork.
If you believe you have these qualities and requirements, please access the specific job advertisements in the right sidebar, as we encourage you to apply.
Please forward your application to our head office by EMAIL. Once reviewed, our management team will contact you directly if there is an opportunity that matches your skills and experience.
MASTER (Posting #MT@WCTB)
We are currently looking to hire multiple Tug Masters to work within our operations, and this is for both full-time and part-time positions. This position will include both working at sea (shifts) and on-shore (day-work). Applicants must be available to work a minimum two-week shift continuous, with shift lengths varying annually and be available within 24 – 48 hours of dispatch notice. This position is dispatched out of Campbell River, B.C.
Minimum Training Requirements – Must be current
- Seafarers Medical
- Marine Advanced First Aid
- ROC-MC or GOC
- M60T (Minimum) but preference given to M150T.
Hiring Assets – Training & Certification
- SVMO
- Mechanical Knowledge is a benefit
- Previous Masters experience in Tug & Barge operations
- Knowledge of Coastal PPA areas 1 – 5
- Food Safe
Personal Character
- Must be able to take direction from higher authorities and lead by example.
- Must be productive and safe while on the job – which includes the well-being of fellow crew members, company property, and customers.
- Must be physically fit and eager to assist work on deck, not just navigate the vessel.
- Must be able to lift and handle heavy lines, cables, and towing gear.
- Must be able to work at heights above 12.0 ft over water, and able to climb barge ladders.
- Must be prepared to work outdoors in all prevailing weather conditions for our local areas.
- Must work and communicate with a positive attitude.
- Must be able to contribute and work within a diverse team environment.
- Must be respectful of others – crew members, management, and customers.
- Must be able to problem solve and give orders without direction from others.
- Must follow and abide by all Company Policies and Health & Safety Protocol.
- Must follow and abide by all Transport Canada Regulations.
Responsibilities
- Navigate vessels in a safe and orderly manner.
- Monitor coastal weather patterns and partake in passage planning.
- Assist in instructing and directing vessel crew.
- Provide continuous monitoring of vessel transits, while providing continued updates to management and customers.
- Handle Ropes, lines, wires, and towing gear during coastal barge towing operations in British Columbia.
- Perform or direct securing barges, securing boats, and keeping decks orderly while underway in operations.
- Perform or direct routine engine maintenance, painting, greasing, and equipment checks regularly.
- Perform or direct pre-start engine checks and operation of barge ramps in a safe manner.
- Take or give direction while performing safety drills (fire, man overboard, abandon ship) and respond effectively in emergencies.
- Work as part of a team under the direction of the Management ensuring efficient operations, while minimizing downtime.
- Direct and maintain a clean, safe working environment on deck at all times.
- Assist in routine housekeeping on/of the towing vessel.
What our company will provide:
- We offer competitive wages and benefits, based on certification and experience.
- Opportunities for paid training and advancement into senior officer positions. (minimum service-times apply)
- A career within a long term, respected coastal operation, servicing the entire B.C Coast.
- A strong team culture – focused on customer satisfaction, professionalism, and safety in seamanship.
- Sea-time – Vast coastal coverage, encouraging fast growth in the marine sector. Area of operations are all Pacific Pilotage Authority Compulsory Areas 1 – 5.
- All Shift work (Sea-going days) – Contribute to 1.5 x seaday for sea-time accreditation.
Minimum Work Experience
Must hold a minimum of 1-year’s sea-time working/navigating on a tug or similar operation in a Masters position while working on the BC Coast and as well, must hold a minimum of 2-years total sea-time working/navigating on a tug or similar operation in an officer’s position while working on the BC Coast. Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA) Waiver system requirements apply.
NOTE: Applications will NOT be accepted in person. Apply via email or our online application only. Please make note of the job posting #Master@WCTB in your application. You will be contacted directly if an interview is fitting.
MATE (#WKM@WCTB)
We are currently looking to hire multiple tugboat Mates to work within our operations, and this is for both full-time and part-time positions. This position is for both on-deck and at the helm navigating, which will include working at sea (shifts) and onshore (day-work). Applicants must be available to work a minimum two-week shift continuous, with shift lengths varying annually and be available within 24 – 48 hours of dispatch notice. This position is dispatched out of Campbell River, B.C.
Minimum Training & Certificate Requirements – Must be current
- Seafarers Medical
- Marine Advanced First Aid
- Radio Certificate – ROC-MC or GOC
- CM150T (minimum)
Hiring Assets – Training & Certification
- SVMO
- Food Safe
- Mechanical Knowledge is a benefit
- Previous Marine Officer’s experience is a benefit
- Knowledge of Coastal PPA areas 1 – 5
Personal Character
- Must be able to take direction from higher authorities and lead by example.
- Must be productive and safe while on the job – which includes the well-being of fellow crew members, company property, and customers.
- Must be physically fit and eager to work on deck, not just navigate the vessel.
- Must be able to lift and handle heavy lines, cables, and towing gear.
- Must be able to work at heights above 12.0 ft over water, and able to climb barge ladders.
- Must be prepared to work outdoors in all prevailing weather conditions for our local areas.
- Must work and communicate with a positive attitude.
- Must be able to contribute and work within a diverse team environment.
- Must be respectful of others – crew members, management, and customers.
- Must be able to problem solve and give orders without direction from others.
- Must follow and abide by all Company Policies and Health & Safety Protocol.
- Must follow and abide by all Transport Canada Regulations.
Responsibilities
- Navigate vessels in a safe manner.
- Monitor Coastal weather patterns and partake in passage planning.
- Assist in instructing and directing vessel crew.
- Handle Ropes, lines, wires, and towing gear during coastal barge towing operations in British Columbia.
- Perform or direct of securing barges, securing boats, and keeping decks orderly while underway in operations.
- Perform or direct routine engine maintenance, painting, greasing, and equipment checks regularly.
- Perform or direct pre-start engine checks and operation of barge ramps in a safe manner.
- Take or give direction while assisting in safety drills (fire, man overboard, abandon ship) and respond effectively in emergencies.
- Work as part of a team under the direction of the Master ensuring efficient operations, while minimizing downtime.
- Direct and maintain a clean, safe working environment on deck at all times.
- Assist in routine housekeeping on/of the towing vessel.
What our company will provide:
- We offer competitive wages and benefits, based on certification and experience.
- Opportunities for paid training and advancement into senior officer positions. (minimum service-times apply)
- A career within a long term, respected coastal operation, servicing the entire B.C Coast.
- A strong team culture – focused on customer satisfaction, professionalism, and safety in seamanship.
- Sea-time – Vast coastal coverage, encouraging fast growth in the marine sector. Area of operations are all Pacific Pilotage Authority Compulsory Areas 1 – 5.
- All Shift work (Sea-going days) – Contribute to 1.5 x seaday for sea-time accreditation.
Minimum Work Experience
Has at least one year’s relevant sea-time working on a tug or a similar marine operation in British Columbia. Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA) Waiver system requirements apply.
NOTE: Applications will NOT be accepted in person. Apply via email or our online application only. Please make note of the job posting #WKM@WCTB in your application. You will be contacted directly if an interview is fitting.
DECKHAND (#DH@WCTB)
We are currently looking to hire multiple deckhands to work within our operations, and this is for both full-time and part-time positions. This is an on-deck position, which will include working at sea (shifts) and onshore (day-work). Applicants must be available to work a minimum two-week shift continuous, with shift lengths varying annually and be available within 24 – 48 hours of dispatch notice. This position is dispatched out of Campbell River, B.C.
Minimum Training & Certificate Requirements – Must be current
- Seafarers Medical
- Marine Emergency Duties – Basic Safety Training
- Marine Basic First Aid (within your first 6 months upon hiring)
Hiring Assets – Training & Certification
- Bridge watch Certification
- Restricted Radio Operator Certificate – Marine (ROC-M)
- Food Safe
- Mechanical Knowledge is a benefit
- Previous Marine Experience is a benefit
Personal Character
- Must be able to take direction from higher authorities and lead by example.
- Must be productive and safe while on the job – which includes the well-being of fellow crew members, company property, and customers.
- Must be physically fit and eager to work.
- Must be able to lift and handle heavy lines, cables, and towing gear.
- Must be able to work at heights above 12.0 ft over water, and able to climb barge ladders.
- Must be prepared to work outdoors in all prevailing weather conditions for our local areas.
- Must work and communicate with a positive attitude.
- Must be able to contribute and work within a diverse team environment.
- Must be respectful for others – crew members, management, and customers.
- Must be able to problem solve without direction from others.
- Must follow and abide by all Company Policies and Health & Safety Protocol.
- Must follow and abide by all Transport Canada Regulations.
Responsibilities
- Handle Ropes, lines, wires, and towing gear during coastal barge towing operations in British Columbia.
- Securing barges, securing boats, and keeping decks orderly while underway in operations.
- Perform routine engine maintenance, painting, greasing, and equipment checks regularly.
- Perform pre-start engine checks and operate barge ramps in a safe manner.
- Take direction and assist in safety drills (fire, man overboard, abandon ship) and respond effectively in emergencies.
- Work as part of a team under the direction of the Master and Officers to ensure efficient operations, while minimizing downtime.
- Maintain a clean, safe working environment on deck at all times.
- Routine cooking and cleaning on/of the towing vessel.
What our company will provide:
- We offer competitive wages and benefits, based on certification and experience.
- Opportunities for paid training and advancement into officer positions. (minimum service-times apply)
- A career within a long term, respected coastal operation, servicing the entire B.C Coast.
- A strong team culture – focused on customer satisfaction, professionalism, and safety in seamanship.
- Sea-time – Vast coastal coverage, encouraging fast growth in the marine sector. Area of operations are all Pacific Pilotage Authority Compulsory Areas 1 – 5.
- All Shift work (Sea-going days) – Contribute to 1.5 x seaday for sea-time accreditation.
Minimum Work Experience (none required, although an asset)
1-year’s sea-time working on a tug or a similar marine vessel in coastal BC.
NOTE: Applications will NOT be accepted in person. Apply via email or our online application only. Please make note of the job posting #DH@WCTB in your application. You will be contacted directly if an interview is fitting.
LOG LOADER OPERATOR (Posting #LL@WCTB)
West Coast Tug & Barge Ltd. is recruiting an experienced coastal Log Loader Operator for its marine log barge operations. This position is for loading loose log volume from water drops and land-based operations onto the barge for transit. This position is a sea-going position, with the operator residing on company tug’s and includes working at sea (shifts) and onshore (day-work). Applicants must be available to work a minimum two-week shift continuous, with shift lengths varying annually and be available within 24 – 48 hours of dispatch notice. This position is dispatched out of Campbell River, B.C.
Log Loading Operations – Duties and Experience
- Operators must be proficient on hydraulic loaders with both button top and heel style grapples.
- Must be able to maintain a clean and organized machine, inclusive of greasing, general engine maintenance, changing hydraulic hoses, and daily safety checks.
- Must be capable of dealing with general machine maintenance as applicable, which includes windshield wiper changes, filter changes, coolant/hydraulic hose changes, grapple cylinder changes, etc.
- Eligible candidates must have a minimum of 2-years’ log loading experience within drylands or coastal operations and hold a valid Class 5 BC Drivers License.
Personal Character
- Must be able to take direction from higher authorities and lead by example.
- Must be productive and safe while on the job – which includes the well-being of fellow crew members, company property, and customers.
- Must be physically fit and eager to work.
- Must be able to lift and handle heavy lines and assist with marine operations.
- Must be able to work at heights above 12.0 ft over water, and able to climb barge ladders.
- Must be prepared to work outdoors in all prevailing weather conditions for our local areas.
- Must work and communicate with a positive attitude.
- Must be able to contribute and work within a diverse team environment.
- Must be respectful for others – crew members, management, and customers.
- Must be able to problem solve without direction from others.
- Must follow and abide by all Company Policies and Health & Safety Protocol.
- Must follow and abide by all Transport Canada Regulations.
Marine Responsibilities – Non-Loading operations
- Handle Ropes, lines, wires, and towing gear during barge towing in coastal operations in British Columbia.
- Assist in securing barges, securing boats, and keeping decks orderly while underway in operations.
- Take direction and assist in safety drills (fire, man overboard, abandon ship) and respond effectively in emergencies.
- Work as part of a team under the direction of the Master and Officers to ensure efficient operations, while minimizing downtime.
- Maintain a clean, safe working environment on deck at all times.
- Routine house keeping on/of the towing vessel.
What our company will provide:
- We offer competitive wages and benefits, based on aptitude and experience.
- A career within a long term, respected coastal operation, servicing the entire B.C Coast in forestry.
- A strong team culture – focused on customer satisfaction, professionalism, and safety in stewardship.
Minimum Work Experience
Eligible candidates must have a minimum of 2-years’ log loading experience within drylands or coastal operations and hold a valid Class 5 BC Drivers License.
NOTE: Applications will NOT be accepted in person. Apply via email or our online application only. Please make note of the job posting #LL@WCTB in your application. You will be contacted directly if an interview is fitting.
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