Torchora
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Ferry Captain

💰 $85,000 - $150,000

MaritimeTransportationManagementOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Ferry Captain, you are the Master of the vessel and the ultimate authority on board. This pivotal leadership role involves more than just navigation; you are the primary guarantor of safety, the manager of the crew, and the face of the company to our valued passengers. You will command the vessel with expert skill, making critical decisions in a dynamic maritime environment while ensuring strict adherence to all U.S. Coast Guard and company regulations. Your mission is to deliver a safe, reliable, and pleasant journey for every passenger, every time, by leading a well-trained, professional crew and maintaining the vessel in a constant state of readiness.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Chief Mate / First Officer on a Ferry or similar vessel
  • Tugboat Captain or Mate
  • Experienced Deck Officer or Master of smaller passenger vessels

Advancement To:

  • Port Captain / Marine Superintendent
  • Fleet Operations Manager
  • Senior Captain / Training Captain

Lateral Moves:

  • Private Yacht Captain
  • Tug & Barge Captain
  • Vessel Operations or Safety Compliance Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assume ultimate command of the vessel, exercising absolute authority over navigation, maneuvering, and overall vessel operations to ensure safety at all times.
  • Safely navigate the ferry along designated routes, expertly compensating for dynamic environmental factors such as tides, currents, weather conditions, and vessel traffic.
  • Uphold and enforce all company policies, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, and international maritime laws to ensure full operational and safety compliance.
  • Act as the on-scene commander during any emergency, including fire, man-overboard, collision, medical situations, or security threats, by decisively executing established contingency plans.
  • Supervise, manage, and direct the onboard crew, including deckhands and engineers, by assigning duties, overseeing performance, and ensuring adherence to work/rest hour requirements.
  • Oversee the safe, secure, and efficient loading and unloading of all passengers, vehicles, and any accompanying cargo, ensuring proper vessel trim and stability.
  • Meticulously maintain the official ship's logbook and other required documentation, recording all pertinent data related to vessel movements, passenger counts, drills, and significant operational events.
  • Conduct comprehensive pre-departure and post-arrival safety inspections of the vessel's hull, machinery, and all life-saving and firefighting equipment.
  • Plan, schedule, and lead regular, realistic safety drills, including fire, abandon ship, and man-overboard exercises, to maintain crew proficiency and readiness.
  • Maintain constant and professional communication with shore-side management, port authorities, VTS (Vessel Traffic Service), and other vessels using VHF radio and other communication systems.
  • Develop and execute detailed passage plans for each voyage, identifying potential navigational hazards and outlining safe courses and contingency routes.
  • Ensure strict adherence to all environmental protection regulations, overseeing proper waste management, pollution prevention, and spill response procedures.
  • Serve as the primary representative of the company aboard the vessel, professionally addressing passenger inquiries, concerns, and complaints to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Implement and manage the vessel's security plan in accordance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), including managing vessel access and responding to security threats.
  • Collaborate closely with the Chief Engineer to monitor vessel machinery performance and to plan and coordinate necessary maintenance and repairs to minimize downtime.
  • Calculate and continuously monitor the vessel's stability, trim, and stress throughout each voyage, making necessary adjustments for fuel consumption and shifts in passenger or vehicle load.
  • Promptly and accurately report any accidents, injuries, near-misses, pollution incidents, or significant equipment failures to designated company and regulatory authorities.
  • Provide ongoing on-the-job training, mentorship, and formal evaluation for junior officers and crew members to foster their professional growth and skill development.
  • Make clear, concise, and timely public announcements to passengers regarding safety information, voyage details, points of interest, and any schedule deviations.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for and facilitate inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and other regulatory bodies, ensuring all vessel certificates and documents are current and in order.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the development and revision of the company’s safety management system (SMS) and vessel-specific operational procedures.
  • Contribute to crew scheduling, shift planning, and verification of work hours for payroll processing.
  • Participate actively in incident investigations and root cause analysis exercises to identify and implement corrective actions that prevent future occurrences.
  • Mentor and provide professional guidance to aspiring deck officers and crew, assisting in their career development and path to promotion.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • USCG Master License: Valid U.S. Coast Guard Master License of appropriate tonnage (e.g., 100-ton, 500-ton, or greater) with necessary endorsements for the area of operation.
  • TWIC: Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
  • STCW Endorsements: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Basic Safety Training and other required endorsements.
  • Radar Observer: Valid Radar Observer (Unlimited) endorsement.
  • ECDIS Proficiency: Expertise in operating Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), GPS, and other modern navigation equipment.
  • Vessel Handling: Advanced vessel handling and maneuvering skills, particularly in confined waters and adverse weather conditions.
  • FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit: Valid FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP).
  • First Aid/CPR: Current certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of USCG regulations, Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), and ISM code.
  • Stability and Trim: Proficiency in vessel stability, trim calculations, and weight distribution management.
  • Emergency Management: Expertise in firefighting, damage control, and crowd management procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Decisive Leadership: Ability to command respect and lead a crew effectively, especially under pressure.
  • Calm Under Pressure: Maintaining composure and making sound, critical decisions during emergencies or high-stress situations.
  • Exceptional Communication: Clear, concise verbal communication skills for directing crew, interacting with passengers, and using marine radios.
  • Situational Awareness: A constant and keen awareness of the vessel's surroundings, condition, and operational status.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to quickly address mechanical, operational, or personnel issues.
  • Customer Service Focus: A professional and approachable demeanor with a commitment to providing a positive passenger experience.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to foster a positive and collaborative team environment on board.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules, weather, and operational demands.
  • Professionalism and Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical and professional standards as a representative of the company.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to navigation, log-keeping, and safety inspections.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation, Maritime Operations, or a related field from a certified Maritime Academy.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Marine Transportation
  • Nautical Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10 years of progressive experience in the maritime industry, including at least 2-3 years serving as a Mate or Captain on vessels of similar size, power, and complexity.

Preferred:

  • Significant prior experience as Captain or Mate on passenger ferries or Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels.
  • Documented experience operating vessels in the specific geographic waters of operation (e.g., Puget Sound, San Francisco Bay, New York Harbor).
  • Experience working under a structured Safety Management System (SMS).
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