Boat and Cable Ferry Operators and Related Workers

(NOC 7533)

in All Trades and Transportation

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 Outlook

Average

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  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

  • Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$21.33

Median

$35.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$55,350

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$37.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About 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

120

employed in 2016

91.3%

employed full-time

8.7%

self employed

8.7%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
91.3%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
53.8

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
94.7%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

29.2%

Cape Breton

$61,945 median annual income
25.0%

Halifax

N/A
20.8%

North Shore

N/A
16.7%

Southern

N/A
8.3%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

55.6%

Transportation and warehousing

22.2%

Public administration

11.1%

Manufacturing

11.1%

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

What is the age of Employment?

38.0%

55-64

29.0%

45-54

8.0%

65+

8.0%

35-44

8.0%

15-24

8.0%

25-34

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

34.8%

College Diploma

$55,533 median annual income
26.1%

High school

N/A
21.7%

Less than high school

N/A
17.4%

Trade Certification

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income
25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income
22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income
18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income
2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Transport Canada
Dartmouth, NS

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.