About the position
The Ferry Master position with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) involves full responsibility for operating U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels across various waterways in North Carolina, including coastal, sound, and river areas. This role requires the supervision of deck, above deck, and engine room personnel, ensuring the safe operation and navigation of the ferry vessel while underway. The Ferry Master must enforce safety guidelines and rules for both the vessel crew and passengers, operating vessels of varying gross tonnage under diverse weather and work conditions. The position also entails interpreting radar, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and weather instruments, or overseeing these operations to ensure compliance with safety and Homeland Security regulations. The work is subject to review by superiors through written reports and U.S. Coast Guard inspections, and the Ferry Master may be required to perform additional duties as necessary. Key responsibilities include navigating the vessel on a pre-charted course between dock terminals, reading weather instruments, operating electrical communications devices, and adhering to navigational regulations to ensure safe passage. The Ferry Master directs crews in operational and maintenance functions of the vessel, conferring with the marine engineer on routine and emergency repair and maintenance issues, and taking appropriate action to remedy any problems. Additionally, the Ferry Master assists departmental and U.S. Coast Guard personnel in conducting safety inspections, taking immediate corrective action for any inadequacies identified during these inspections. Conducting safety meetings and emergency drills is also a critical part of the role, ensuring maximum protection for crew and passengers while maintaining proper safety equipment and conducting periodic inspections. The position requires the Ferry Master to periodically check the condition of docking facilities and supervise the loading and discharging of vehicles, passengers, and cargo. Training and supervising lower-level crew members is also a key responsibility. The Ferry Master will work out of the Ocracoke Ferry Operation and will be required to work on a shift schedule of 7 days on and 7 days off. Candidates must present a valid MMC license of 1600 gross tons or higher and a TWIC card during the interview process.
Responsibilities
- Operate U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels across North Carolina waterways.
- Supervise deck, above deck, and engine room personnel.
- Ensure safe operation and navigation of the ferry vessel while underway.
- Enforce safety guidelines and rules for vessel crew and passengers.
- Interpret radar, GPS, and weather instruments or oversee these operations.
- Oversee compliance with safety and Homeland Security regulations.
- Navigate vessel on a pre-charted course between dock terminals.
- Read weather instruments and operate electrical communications devices.
- Direct crews in operational and maintenance functions of the vessel.
- Confer with the marine engineer on routine and emergency repair and maintenance problems.
- Assist in making safety inspections and take immediate corrective action for inadequacies.
- Conduct safety meetings and emergency drills for crew and passengers.
- Maintain proper safety equipment and periodically inspect it.
- Check the condition of docking facilities and supervise loading and discharging of vehicles, passengers, and cargo.
- Train and supervise lower-level crew members.
Requirements
- Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Inspected Ferry Vessels with sufficient gross tonnage for the vessel operated.
- Possession of a valid certificate as Radar Observer issued by an institution approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Possession of a valid Marine Radio Operator permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission.
- Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- Knowledge of the operations and basic maintenance of ferry vessels.
- Thorough knowledge of applicable state, federal, and U.S. Coast Guard laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of radar, navigational, GPS, and communication equipment pertaining to ferry vessel operations.
- Skill in supervising and instructing personnel in all areas of ferry operations.
- Skill to chart readings and plot courses.
- Experience in navigating a vessel involving ship handling and seamanship.
Benefits
- Full State Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Career development opportunities
