Boat and Cable Ferry Operators and Related Workers
(NOC 7533)
in All Trades and TransportationLock and cable ferry operators operate 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 transport passengers or freight. Workers in this group are employed by 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
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Boat and Cable Ferry Operators and Related Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 38% of Boat and Cable Ferry Operators and Related Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $62,322. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$55,350
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Lock and cable ferry operators operate 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 transport passengers or freight. Workers in this group are employed by 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate telecommunication equipment or use portable loudspeakers to direct movements of vessels in lock area.
- Operate controls to open or close lock gates.
- Operate controls to raise, lower or turn bridges.
- Observe progress of vessels passing through locks.
Cable ferry operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Signal passengers and motor vehicles to embark and disembark.
- Operate cable ferry across narrow waterway.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs to engine, cables and winches.
Ferry terminal workers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate motorboats, launches, small ferry boats and other similar vessels to transport passengers or freight.
- Maintain boats and equipment on board, such as engines, winches, derricks, fire extinguishers and life preservers.
- May perform other duties, such as 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
To work in these jobs, 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
Halifax
Northern
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and Warehousing
Public Administration
Other Industries
Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$66,117 median annual incomeHigh school
$62,571 median annual incomeLess than high school
$48,353 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$42,434 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
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.
Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.