FERRY CAPTAIN

VICTORIA HARBOUR FERRY CAPTAIN – JOB DESCRIPTION

*THIS POSITION IS SEASONAL*

The Captain provides narrated tours and water taxi service to Victoria Harbour Ferry passengers. The role is based on our commitment to safety (on and off the vessel). Passenger service and attention to detail are supported by our motto – “Happy People in Happy Boats.” Captains must be qualified and ready to perform duties onboard any harbour ferry vessel. A Harbour Ferry Captain is a dedicated, loyal, and self-motivated individual who works well in a disciplined, directed environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Harbour Ferry Captain you will be required to:

Provide a high standard of safe vessel operations and work cooperatively with the VHF team, to ensure that all safety protocols are always followed.

Operate the vessel in the in compliance with regulations and in accordance with good marine practice.

Provide a pleasant and welcoming attitude to all passengers and staff.

Engage in providing narrated tours – Harbour Tour and Gorge Tour

Process ticket sales and maintain an accurate and complete record of passenger loads reported at the conclusion of each shift.

Work with Customer Service Representatives to coordinate the boarding of passengers.

Provide the Watch Leader with notice of incidents or situations that can impact safety or compromise our high level of customer care.

Once trained, the Captain must remain familiar with all VHFC processes and procedures, products, services and sales information.

The Harbour Ferry Captain reports directly to the Watch Leader on duty.

QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Certifications required:

SVOP (Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Course)

Basic Marine First Aid

Small Non-Pleasure Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS)

ROC-M (VHF) Radio License Certificate

A medical letter attesting that you have no physical limitations (hearing, eyesight, cardio or respiratory) and no physical impairments (eg. cannot bend at the knees etc.) that would prevent the safe execution of all duties. 

COMPETENCIES

Attention to detail — This job requires that you pay attention to your surroundings, other vessels, aircraft, non-powered vessels, lines of travel, radio transmissions and passengers.

Dependability — Capable of working as a part of a team.

Stress Tolerance — This role occurs in a fast-paced environment, and you must be able to work under stress during peak operating hours.

Positive Attitude — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Working Conditions — You will be required to work in varying weather conditions while standing for long periods of time.

Presentable, energetic & physically fit

Experienced in handling small boats or ability to learn this skill.

Exceptional customer serviceability

Excellent English language skills (other languages an asset)

Capable of processing ticket sales while onboard the vessel, using a digital handheld device.

Technical Skills – Able to understand and use software-based tools with ease.

Communication — Job requires the use of a personal email address for receiving corporate correspondence.

SCHEDULE AND HOURS OF WORK

Work is seasonal. The season for new Captains will start in May and run through to the end of October.

Training for new captains will run from mid April to early May.

Captains are required to work both day shifts and afternoon shifts (usually 9 AM to 3 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM). Workdays are Monday to Sunday. Regularly scheduled shifts are 4 days on and 4 days off with alternating day and afternoon shifts.

Note: Captains are asked to not take vacation time during the months of June, July, and August (peak of the season)

Captains will be required to work in varying weather conditions while standing for long periods of time.

COMPENSATION

The position pays on an hourly basis (regular shifts and other duties). There is no overtime allowance other than Statutory Holiday Pay. Holiday pay is paid within each pay period.

Company uniforms are provided for this position.