Occupational Profiles

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.

• 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.