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Ferry Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dewees Island

Ferry Deckhand

SC · On-site

Ferry Mate (Deckhand) - Part-Time Location: Dewees Island, South Carolina Dewees Island is a private, conservation-focused barrier island accessible only by boat. The ferry is our community ...

Dewees Island

Ferry Deckhand

Dewees Island, SC · On-site

Ferry Mate (Deckhand) Part-Time Location: Dewees Island, South Carolina Dewees Island is a private, conservation-focused barrier island accessible only by boat. The ferry is our communitys lifeline ...

GovFirst

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

Ferry Crewmember Location: Surry, VA 23883 Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is seeking a reliable and safety-focused Ferry Crewmember to support ferry vessel operations. This role serves as a ...

GovFirst

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

Ferry Crewmember Location: Surry, VA 23883 Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is seeking a reliable and safety-focused Ferry Crewmember to support ferry vessel operations. This role serves as a ...

GovFirst

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA

Ferry Crewmember Location: Surry, VA 23883 Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is seeking a reliable and safety-focused Ferry Crewmember to support ferry vessel operations. This role serves as a ...

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Ferry Mate information

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How much do ferry mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry mate in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $3,000 a day?

Ferry mates typically do not earn $3,000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like executive consultants, high-level corporate executives, or certain medical specialists. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience and may involve long hours or high responsibility levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ferry Mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ferry Mate, you need a solid understanding of maritime operations, navigation, and vessel safety protocols, often supported by relevant maritime certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and STCW endorsements. Familiarity with onboard communication systems, navigation equipment, and safety management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, teamwork, and effective communication skills are essential for coordinating crew and ensuring passenger safety. These competencies are crucial for maintaining smooth vessel operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and safeguarding all aboard.

What are ferry mates?

Ferry mates are licensed maritime professionals who assist the captain in operating and navigating a ferry. They are responsible for the safety of passengers and crew, overseeing loading and unloading, conducting safety drills, and handling emergency situations. Ferry mates may also help with navigation, maintain logs, and supervise deckhands. They play a key role in ensuring that ferry operations run smoothly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by a Ferry Mate during busy travel seasons?

During peak travel seasons, Ferry Mates often encounter challenges such as managing high passenger volumes, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and coordinating with crew members to maintain timely departures and arrivals. Effective communication and quick problem-solving are essential, particularly when handling emergency situations or assisting passengers with special needs. Maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure and adapting to rapidly changing conditions are important aspects of succeeding in this role.

What is the difference between Ferry Mate vs Deckhand?

AspectFerry MateDeckhand
Required CertificationsSTCW certification, CPR, first aidSTCW certification, basic safety training
Work EnvironmentPassenger ferries, marine terminalsCommercial ships, cargo vessels
Employer & Industry UsageFerry operators, transportation industryShipping companies, maritime industry

Ferry Mates primarily operate passenger ferries, focusing on passenger safety and vessel operation, often requiring specific certifications like STCW. Deckhands work across various vessels, including cargo ships, with similar safety certifications but may have broader responsibilities. While both roles are essential in maritime operations, Ferry Mates are specialized in passenger ferry services, whereas Deckhands support a wider range of maritime vessels.

More about Ferry Mate jobs
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What states have the most Ferry Mate jobs? States with the most job openings for Ferry Mate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ferry Mate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ferry Mate jobs are:
Ferry Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ferry Mate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Ferry Mate - FT

Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc.

Southport, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Ferry Mate - Regular Full Time

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, performs tasks associated with safely transporting passengers to and from the Island via Ferry according to published schedules and approved Customer Service standards.  Reports to the Ferry Master in command.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

NOTE:  The illustrative examples of work listed below are not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by the position.  The examples are intended to represent the level and type of work performed.  This list is not to be considered or represent an employment contract.

Essential Functions:

Prepares vessel before operation by checking fuel and fluid levels; starts engine and records any problems.

Politely and cheerfully greets and boards passengers on ferry.   Assists passengers by checking on them while in transit to ensure their safety and comfort.

Stands watch as directed by the captain while the ferry is underway.  Responds to situations or passenger needs as they arise.

Secures boat at dock with at least two mooring lines; aligns passenger ramp with vessel and safely chains and secures the ramp to ensure safest loading/unloading of passengers.  Stands by the ramp/ferry transition point to assist passengers and preclude accidents.

Performs basic janitorial functions on the ferry, i.e. pumps out heads, cleans heads and passenger cabin, washes windows, polishes brass, and empties trash cans.

Prepares trip reports, fuel, maintenance, and time logs for each shift under the direction of the captain.

Upon completion of shift, assists Ferry Master by properly transitioning the ferry to the Ferry Master and crew on the following shift.

After operation, assists the Ferry Master by securing the ferry to the dock, performing all after operations maintenance checks, cleaning the ferry and shutting down systems.

Regularly participates in drills and exercises to meet USCG requirements for Man Overboard, Fire, Abandon Ship, Dewatering, Loss of Steering, Loss of Propulsion, Anchoring, and Security.

Work schedule includes days, evenings, weekends and holidays, outdoors in all weather conditions

Additional Functions:

Operates vessel under Ferry Master's direction and authorization, as needed.

From time to time, appropriately certified candidates with exemplary performance may be asked to perform the duties of a Relief Ferry Master.  See certifications and credentials necessary as on file. 

Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or equivalent, one year of experience in a position dealing directly with the public and some general knowledge of marine/boating industry; or an equivalent combination of training and experience to provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT (S)

Satisfy drug testing requirements as mandated by Coast Guard regulations.

First Aid and CPR training is required.

Must provide a workable point of contact at all times before, during, and after the workday. 

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Requires the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Requires the ability to traverse stairs and ladders between decks on a rocking vessel. 

Required to enter enclosed compartments through hatches and scuttles and to work in hot, noisy environments adjacent to operating machinery, using appropriate safety equipment.

Requires the ability to work in extreme weather conditions; heat, cold, rain, and to remain standing for extended periods of time.

Bald Head Island Limited 2017

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