Job description Cable Ferry Deckhand in Canada

Find out what work is like for a cable ferry deckhand in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations (NOC 75210).

Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations

Description

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.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • 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.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 75210), and a list of similar occupations:

  • bridgemaster
  • cable ferry operator
  • canal lock operator
  • charter boat operator
  • ferry terminal worker
  • launch master
  • linesman/woman - canal lock system
  • loading bridge operator
  • lockmaster
  • motorboat operator
  • scow captain
  • sightseeing boat operator
  • small craft operator
  • water taxi operator

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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