Chief Officer​/Master; In anticipation

Chief Officer/Master (In anticipation of future need) Job Description

BC Ferries is looking to connect with experienced marine professionals who share our commitment to safety, service, and community. We are accepting applications from qualified candidates for future opportunities within our fleet operations team. If you hold a valid Transport Canada Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) or higher - or an equivalent CoC from a country recognized under a reciprocal agreement with Transport Canada (Australia, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, France, Georgia, Ireland, Jamaica, Norway, Philippines, UK, or Ukraine) AND are legally entitled to work in Canada — we invite you to apply for future opportunities with us.

• Act as the Navigating Officer of the vessel by plotting course alterations; applying collision avoidance regulations; and ensuring the safe operation of the vessel with respect to buoyage systems, traffic lanes, radio procedures, and call‑in points.
• Assist the Chief Officer with the loading and unloading of vehicles; conduct a pre‑sailing safety check; provide weather and traffic information to the Master; and assist the Master in clearing the vessel.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the Quartermasters; and provide training.
• Maintain the wheelhouse by correcting charts and publications; checking and testing all navigational and wheelhouse equipment; reporting defective equipment to the Master; and ensuring logs are kept up‑to‑date.
• Assist the Chief Officer in leading, directing, and training the crew in fire, safety and boat drills; and respond to emergency situations.
• Perform additional duties including self‑orientation of new equipment; sounding alarms; making PA announcements; providing information and assistance to passengers and handling complaints; conducting pre‑refit inventory; and completing a variety of reports.

• Transport Canada Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) or higher — or an equivalent CoC from a country recognized under a reciprocal agreement with Transport Canada.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Extensive knowledge of navigational equipment and techniques, relevant international, federal, and provincial regulations, safety and emergency procedures.
• Solid background managing a team of junior deck crews fostering a culture of safety, respect, inclusion, and continual learning. Previous experience working and managing a team in a union‑based environment is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in ship‑handling principles, stability, seamanship, and deck maintenance applicable to this role.
• Commitment to BC Ferries’ core values: safety first, exceeding customer expectations, and operational efficiency.

Join our dedicated crews that help keep Coastal Communities Connected! Applicants to this posting who meet the required qualifications will be considered for future opportunities based on meeting the minimum job requirements. It is recommended that all applicants continue to monitor our careers page for future opportunities and to apply accordingly.

Please ensure to upload any relevant certificates you currently hold during the application process.

“We connect communities and customers to the people and places important in their lives”

At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. 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 who meet the minimum job requirements will be contacted for further screening.