7533 – Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations
Boat and cable ferry operators and workers in related occupations operate lock gates, bridges and similar equipment along canal systems and operate cable ferries and ferry terminals. This unit group also includes boat operators, and owner-operators, who operate small motorboats or watercraft to transport passengers or freight. They 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.
Profile
Index of titles
Example titles
Barge captain
Barge operator
Beachcomber
Bridge attendant – canal lock systems
Bridge keeper – lock system
Bridgemaster
Bridgemaster – lock systems
Cable ferry deckhand
Cable ferry operator
Canal lock operator
Canal lock tender
Canal lockman/woman
Charter boat captain
Charter boat master
Charter boat operator
Dry dock worker – shipbuilding
Ferry terminal attendant
Ferry terminal worker
Launch captain
Launch master
Launch operator
Launch owner-operator
Lighthouse keeper
Lineshandler – canal lock system
Linesman/woman – canal lock system
Loading bridge operator
Loading bridge operator – ferry
Lock operator
Lockmaster
Manual cable ferry operator
Motor boat operator
Motor launch operator
Motorboat captain
Motorboat operator
Power cable ferry operator
Reaction ferry operator
Repair ship owner-operator
Scow captain
Scow operator
Sightseeing boat captain
Sightseeing boat master
Sightseeing boat operator
Small craft operator
Water bus captain
Water bus master
Water bus operator
Water taxi captain
Water taxi master
Water taxi operator
Workboat operator
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Lock equipment operators
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
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
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
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.
Employment requirements
Some secondary school education is usually required.
On-the-job training is provided.
Master, Master Limited or Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) Certificate, issued by Transport Canada, is required for boat operators.
Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training is required for boat operators and crew members.
Additional information
There is little or no mobility among lock equipment operators, cable ferry operators and ferry terminal workers.
Mobility between boat operators in this unit group is possible.
Progression from boat operator positions to deck officer positions is possible with additional training, experience and certification.
Exclusions
Deck officers, water transport (2273)
Water transport deck and engine room crew (7532)