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 06, 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.