Job Description
MASTER, INTERMEDIATE
Swartz Bay
We are currently seeking applications from individuals interested in being considered for the Shipboard Management position of Master in Swartz Bay.
As Master, you lead the shipboard management team and are responsible for safety; departmental leadership; crew supervision and a strong customer service focus. The Master ensures efficient vessel operations, including navigation, route and ship management, regulatory compliance, maintaining operational records and logs, and supporting the business performance of the vessel. The Master oversees crew training in fire, safety and boat drills, ensure that safety equipment is operational and provide leadership in emergency situations.
The Role
Reporting to Senior Master, you add value and are energized by key areas of oversight such as:
A) Serves as Master of the Vessel by:
Overseeing the navigation of the vessel between ports safely and efficiently, ensuring that it is berthed and unberthed in a safe, efficient manner
Making operational judgements based on weather, vessel traffic, and the condition of the ship
Overseeing a comprehensive vessel maintenance program, including cleaning, monitoring, and replacement of safety and fire equipment, bridge equipment, stores, publications, and certificates
Ensuring a high standard of customer service, resolving and providing guidance on the resolution of customer and employee problems, complaints, and grievances; and
Ensuring that all written policies and procedures are kept current and that route performance records for the vessel's operation are in accordance with regulatory, certification, and audit requirements
B) Serves as Company’s Management Representative Establishing and Maintaining a Safe, Secure and Professional Work Environment by:
Directing the Shipboard Management Team in the implementation of performance and operational improvements
Ensuring safe practices in vessel operation in accordance with the Company Safety Management System and that employee work practices meet WorkSafeBC standards; regularly conducts emergency drills in passenger safety and control
Working towards the Company goal of improving safety in all aspects of operations and taking proactive steps to reduce worksite accidents, injuries, and time lost from work
Providing overall direction and guidance to the Vessel Security Officer
Ensuring employee training programs in all phases of vessel operation and that crew members are familiar with policies and procedures
Monitoring and ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations, legislation, company dress, and appearance standards
Participating in investigations of incidents and internal inquires
Taking corrective action and reporting equipment failures, damage, service interruption, and incidents; and
Ensuring timely and effective communication amongst all watches and departments and with shore based
Ensuring procedures are always followed that safeguard against environmental pollution
Attending grievance meetings with the Union as the management representative, with authority to resolve individual grievances in consultation with Employee Relations
C) Serves as Crew Manager by:
Attending job interviews of the Deck department and participating in hiring and promotion decisions of deck employees
Ensuring correct procedures are in place for orientating and familiarizing deck department employees
Overseeing and conducting performance appraisals for deck department employees
Monitoring, guiding, coaching and addressing issues related to performance, conduct, and attendance
Assisting in the development and progression of deck employees
Implementing disciplinary and corrective action for deck employees, up to and including termination
D) Manages the fiscal activity of the vessel by :
Assisting in the preparation of the deck budget
Ensuring effective vessel financial administration
Monitoring the watch budget, controlling labour and non-labour expenditures, and explaining costs variances
Overseeing the accurate completion of employee staff time sheets
Taking timely preventative and corrective measures to ensure sound overall fiscal management of the vessel
What you bring to the team
Master, Near Coastal Certificate of Competency
Proficient in Microsoft suite of computer programs
Training in business and leadership would be an asset
Join us!
If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by November 13, 2025.
Additional information
The target salary range: $135,600 - $150,700 per annum. The starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate’s knowledge, experience and internal equity. Starting salary may exceed the target range on exceptional basis.
"We connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives”
At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. BC Ferries supports employment equity and diversity in the workplace and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.