Among other duties, harbor officers:

  ·  enforce regulations on the use of parking, safe operation of boats and vehicles, and the conduct of people and animals in the harbor and harbor areas;

  ·  have the authority to issue citations and can testify in court;

  ·  assist police, fire and other emergency personnel in harbor-related activities;

  ·  carry radios to stay in contact with local police, state troopers and coast guard;

  ·  work with state troopers and fish and wildlife officers;

  ·  are required to render aid to distressed persons along with body recovery of drowning victims;

  ·  work with the coast guard and FBI on security issues at the port; and

  ·  have the authority to arrest individuals for violations.

Under federal regulations, harbor officers are responsible for port security. They have training in explosives and related fields and are part of homeland security. They are responsible for the security of docks when the huge cruise ships tie up and bring visitors to Alaska communities.