Ferryboat Captain

A Ferryboat Captain carries people and vehicles across water. Responsible for the lives of many each day, a Ferryboat Captain is part Manager, part Navigator, and part Delivery Person.

As a Ferryboat Captain, you’re responsible for safely operating a large vessel and strictly adhering to safety guidelines and practices. Working alongside the crew, Dock Attendants, and U.S. Coast Guard Captains, you keep people safe while delivering them to their destination.

Using your background in mathematics, English, communication, and leadership, you command attention at the helm for everyone’s safety. Your superb written and oral communication skills are used regularly as you instruct crewmembers. Your guidance is necessary for accurately raising and lowering load ramps, pushing away from the dock, and returning to shore. Without the ability to accurately convey messages to your crew, tragic accidents could occur.

Your critical thinking and decision-making skills are also essential. When a problem arises, you’re in charge, and everyone looks to you for guidance and direction. In the unlikely event that the ferryboat experiences difficulties and begins to take on water, you’re charged with getting your passengers and crew to safety. To ensure that the trip is as safe as possible, you begin your day with a close inspection of the boat and the equipment on board.

Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial as you maintain the ferryboat’s log in compliance with federal and state regulations. You may not own the boat, but its operation is your duty and solving problems falls on your shoulders.