Boat and Cable Ferry Operators and Related Workers
(NOC 7533)
in All Trades and TransportationLock and cable ferry operators use lock gates, bridges and similar equipment along canal systems and workers who operate cable ferries and ferry terminals. This group also includes boat operators, and owner-operators, who operate small motorboats or watercraft to carry passengers or freight. Workers in this group work for the federal government, cable ferry companies, ferry terminals, marine companies and canal, port, or harbour authorities. Owner-operators of small boats are self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$21.33
Median$35.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$55,350
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Lock and cable ferry operators use lock gates, bridges and similar equipment along canal systems and workers who operate cable ferries and ferry terminals. This group also includes boat operators, and owner-operators, who operate small motorboats or watercraft to carry passengers or freight. Workers in this group work for the federal government, cable ferry companies, ferry terminals, marine companies and canal, port, or harbour authorities. Owner-operators of small boats are self-employed.
Job duties
Lock equipment operators:
- Use telecommunication equipment or use portable loudspeakers to direct movements of vessels in lock area.
- Use controls to open or close lock gates.
- Use controls to raise, lower or turn bridges.
- Watch progress of vessels passing through locks.
Cable ferry operators:
- Signal passengers and motor vehicles to embark and disembark.
- Use cable ferry across narrow waterway.
- Complete routine maintenance and repairs on engine, cables and winches.
Ferry terminal workers:
- Use controls to adjust landing bridge, position or remove gangplank, open or close doors and gates, and secure or remove docking devices.
- Signal passengers and motor vehicles to embark and disembark.
- May collect tickets or fares from passengers.
Boat operators:
- Use motorboats, launches, small ferry boats and other similar vessels to transport passengers or freight.
- Maintain boats and equipment on board like engines, winches, derricks, fire extinguishers and life preservers.
- May complete other duties like checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports and harbours, patrolling beaches and measuring depth of water.
Sample job titles
- charter boat operator
- ferry operator
- ferry terminal attendant
- lighthouse keeper
- sightseeing boat operator
- small craft operator
Skills
- You should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must be able to work methodically, take direction, work as a member of a team, and carry out instructions given by supervisors. On occasion, protective clothing, goggles, and safety boots must be worn. In these jobs, you may be exposed to noise and fumes.
Job requirements
- Some high school education is usually required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Master of a Small Craft or Master of a Small Passenger Craft certificate, issued by Transport Canada, is required for boat operators.
Other considerations
- There is little or no mobility among lock equipment operators, cable ferry operators and ferry terminal workers. Mobility between boat operators in this group is possible. Progression from boat operator positions to deck officer positions is possible with additional training, experience and certification.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Cape Breton
$61,945 median annual incomeHalifax
N/ANorth Shore
N/ASouthern
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Public administration
Manufacturing
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
15-24
25-34
65+
35-44
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$55,533 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ALess than high school
N/ATrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.