In 2006, Alaska voters passed Ballot Measure 2 creating an Ocean Ranger program in the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) which became law on December 17, 2006. Alaska is the first and only state to require U.S. Coast Guard licensed marine engineers on board vessels to act as independent observers monitoring State environmental and marine discharge requirements. Ocean Rangers also check that passengers and crew are protected from improper sanitation, health, and safety practices. This program is managed by the Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance Program, which was created in 2001 to monitor cruise ships in Alaskan waters.

Crowley manages the Ocean Ranger program for the Alaska DEC to provide USCG Licensed Marine Engineers whom travel on board cruise ships throughout the summer and act as independent observers monitoring State environmental and marine discharge requirements. They also check that passengers and crew are protected from improper sanitation, health and safety practices.