JOB POSTING:
JOB TITLE: First Mate (Posting 2026-20)

LOCATION: Pelee Islander 1

POSTING CLOSES: Review of applications begins May 6, 2026 April 27, 2026 at 9:30 AM EST and will continue until the position is filled.

START DATE: June 1, 2026

TYPE: Full Time, Summer (June to October)

REPORTS TO: Captain

UNION: Unifor – Unit 2

SALARY: $423.75 per day, plus vacation pay

The First Mate is responsible for the day-to-day management, maintenance, efficient and economical operation of the vessel Deck Department. Incumbents stand a navigational watch and are second in command of the vessel and the officer in charge when the Captain is absent.

The First Mate is in charge of all cargo operations including loading and discharging of the ship and is responsible for the safety and supervision of junior ratings crew.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The primary job duties and responsibilities for the First Mate include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts a navigational watch in accordance with Code of Nautical Procedures and Practices, Collision Regulations and Company Standing Orders; when in charge of the navigational watch, is responsible for the safe navigation of the ferry in accordance with Company Policy, Standing Orders, watchkeeping procedures and collision regulations.
• Ensures that all work is carried out in a safe and effective manner consistent with internal policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Always works in a manner which respects and protects the environment, consistent with internal policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ensures effective maintenance of Navigational Charts, List of Lights, Radio Aids to Marine Navigation and Notices to Mariners.
• Ensures effective maintenance of watertight shell openings and loading ramps.
• Chairs the safety committee meetings and oversees compliance with safety procedures.
• Ensure passenger and crew safety and welfare.
• Leads the emergency response teams for fire, evacuation and pollution and carries out Emergency Response Duties per the Muster list.
• Effectively operates navigational aids, steering and propulsion controls, and navigational and emergency lighting systems when in charge of the navigation watch in accordance with Company Policy, Standing Orders, Watch Keeping Procedures and Collision Regulations.
• Establishes procedures and supervises the efficient and economical upkeep, housekeeping and maintenance of the deck and hull.
• Responsible for routine and frequent inspections of the decks, ramps, visor and deck fittings and for supporting the Captain with maintaining a record of condition and required repairs to be carried out during the operating season and winter lay-up period.
• Plans and coordinates loading activities with Terminal employees.
• Ensures the safe mooring and departure of the vessel.
• Supervises junior officers and deck employees during loading and unloading operations.
• Provides clear direction and supervision to crew including assigning tasks, checking work performance and participating in the assessment of training needs.
• Oversees the ordering and inventory of stores and deck spares.
• Ensures compliance with all company policies, applicable laws, regulations, and good business practices; acts on non-conforming situations as required for fair and consistent application.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, union officials, Canadian and US government officials (as applicable), auditors, inspectors, and contracted services to contribute to the company’s reputation for competence and service excellence.
• Ensures compliance with Transport Canada Marine Safety Regulations, Transport Canada Marine Transportation Security Regulations, Bridge Watch Practices and Procedures, Watchkeeping Practices and Procedures, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Canadian Buoyage System, and Collision Regulations.
• Issue Vehicles damages report whenever needed and insure that involved passenger is having a copy of the full report before leaving.
• Maintains a log of vessel operations and completes timely technical and logistical reports.
• Supports internal audits in accordance with the company audit plan.
• Oversees, performs, and assigns other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, WORK EXPERIENCE, and SKILLS

• High School graduation, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive marine industry experience including a minimum of 2 years experience in the operation of a passenger ferry in Canadian waters or an acceptable combination of education and qualifying experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of recent management, labour relations, supervisory and administrative experience.
• Valid Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate, or 1st Mate 500t, domestic, STCW95-11.
• Marine Emergency Duties (MED) Basic Safety Training, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Advanced Fire Fighting.
• Valid Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate.
• Marine Advanced First Aid + CPR.
• Passenger Safety Management Certificate.
• ROC Marine Commercial Certificate.
• Vessel Security Officer Certificate.
• Valid Passport and cleared to enter the United States of America or have the proper accompanying documents and Visas.
• Ability to read, write, understand and speak English.
• Knowledgeable about applicable provincial and federal regulations regarding ferry vessel operations and the public transportation of passengers.
• Skill in the operation and control of equipment and vessels, the monitoring of instrumentation and gauges, docking a vessel, passenger embarkation and debarkation procedures, and determining the appropriate course of action when dealing with complex problems.
• Strong organization, planning, problem solving, time management, implementation skills in project and operational environments with demonstrated ability to ensure work is completed safely, on time, and on budget.
• Knowledgeable about interpreting and enforcing policies, labour agreements, occupational health and safety rules, and working practices applicable to this position.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with passengers and crew.
• Ability to effectively plan, assign, coordinate, schedule and evaluate the work of subordinate employees.
• Experience working effectively in a multi-cultural work environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, subordinates, company representatives, and representatives of other organizations.
• Strong verbal and written communication, risk management, problem solving, and decision-making skills are required.
• Experience with ABS NS5, computerized record systems, personal computers, and software programs applicable to the company and vessel.

SAFETY SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

• Zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol.
• Personal Protective Equipment (boots, pants, eye and ear protective wear).

EFFORT – PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS

• Work involves physical effort, bending, crouching, climbing, walking, crawling, and working in awkward positions, at heights and in confined spaces.
• Work requires handling materials, pushing, pulling and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Regular exposure to noise, dirt, fumes, chemicals, hazardous substances and equipment requires the use of personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to work long hours while maintaining continuous sea watches during the day or while performing preventive maintenance during after hours.
• Ability to stand for two hours at a time.
• Regular need to climb stairs.
• Ability to climb up to 12ft ladders.
• Ability to read, write, understand, and speak English.
• Ability to see 300’ with good depth perception.
• Ability to communicate in person and over the phone.
• Ability to read printed materials and a computer screen.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Mobility to work in a shipboard, marine environment at dock and in transit.
• Shift work and requirement to be away from home for periods of time up to one week.
• Occasional exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Occasional requirement to respond to unplanned or time-sensitive operational needs beyond standard work hours to respond to emergencies and time-sensitive matters.
• Meals, and accommodation provided on the vessel during your work rotation.

How To Apply?

Please upload your resume in PDF format.

We are committed to the principle of fair representation of individuals from the four designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act. We encourage qualified women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities to apply for our positions.

If you require any accommodations in the recruitment process, please reach out to HR@ontarioferries.com to discuss, but please note that applications will not be reviewed or accepted via this email address.

Notice on Use of Technology in Recruitment - We may use technology, including AI tools, to support parts of the application process. All hiring decisions are made by people.