MASTER, MAJOR

Swartz Bay

The Opportunity

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:

• Oversee the navigation of the vessel between ports safely and efficiently, ensuring that it is berthed and unberthed in a safe, efficient manner
• Make operational judgements based on weather, vessel traffic, and condition of the ship
• Oversee the comprehensive vessel maintenance program, including cleaning, monitoring and replacement of safety and fire equipment, bridge equipment, stores, publications, and certificates
• Ensure a high standard of customer service, resolving and providing guidance on the resolution of customer and employee problems, complaints, and grievances
• Ensure that all written policies and procedures are kept current and that the route performance records and vessel’s operation are in accordance with regulatory, certification, and audit requirements
• Hold a Transport Canada-approved Master’s Certification (Near Coastal or Master Mariner)
• have suitable working experience as a Chief Officer or Master of a vessel over 350 GRT including management of the activities of deck and shipboard employees
• act as an on-watch management representative for the Company
• are computer proficient with a good working knowledge of current software programs
• are an innovative leader with a strong focus on customer service and Company objectives; and
• Ensure high standards of mariner professionalism and employee relations at all times
• Assisting in the preparation of the deck budget, as well as ensuring effective vessel financial administration
• Monitor and watch budget, controlling labour and non-labour expenditures, and explaining cost variances
• Oversee the accurate completion of employee staff time sheets
• Perform other duties as required

What you bring to the team

Master near coastal, or Master Mariner Certificate of Competency. Experience as a master of a large vessel. In addition, you have demonstrated supervisory experience and proficiency in MS suite applications. Training in business and leadership would be an asset. Travel is required.

Join us!

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by October 5, 2026.

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 sail to serve and connect the people and the coast of BC”

At BC Ferries, our people are at the heart of delivering safe and reliable service along 1,600 km of coastline. Every day, we connect communities and move tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles across our 25 routes through the dedication, expertise and hard work of our teams. Guided by a shared commitment to safety, service, inclusion, and local commitment, we offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a positive impact. Whether you work onboard our vessels, in our terminals or behind the scenes, you'll play an important role in connecting people, supporting communities, and keeping coastal BC moving.

We support 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.