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Ferry Mate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

$18/hr

U.S. Facilities, Inc., a consolidated facility management service company, is seeking a proven industry professional experienced Ferry Crewmember shall serve as a member of a ferry boat crew ...

Ferry Mate information

What is a ferry mate?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ferry mate?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Ferry Mate jobs in Virginia?

For Ferry Mate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ferry Mate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Ferry Mate job openings:

Infographic showing various Ferry Mate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Second Mate - Seaward Services - TSVRON

Hornblower

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$46.15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
The Second Mate shall serve as navigation officer for the assigned Training Support Vessel (TSV-1 PREVAIL, TSV-3 HUNTER, TSV-4 NARRAGANSETT, or TSV-5 VINDICATOR). This role involves maintaining charts and publications, preparing voyage plans, and making daily reports to the Master on voyage progress. The Second Mate also performs cleaning, painting, and maintenance duties as directed by the Chief Mate.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serve as navigation officer.
  • Maintain charts and publications.
  • Prepare all voyage plans; make daily report to the Master on voyage progress.
  • Perform cleaning, painting, maintenance duties as directed by the Chief Mate.
  • Stand navigation watches as assigned per operational requirements.
  • Additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard license/certificate requirements: Second Mate with VSO, VSPSD, STCW.
    • STCW Requirements: OICNW; Able Seafarer-Deck; RFPNW; PSC; Medical care Provider; ADV FF; Basic Training; GMDSS Operator; ECDIS (Unlimited); Lifeboatman; Wiper; Stewards Department (FH); Person in Charge of Medical Care (PIC).
  • Security Clearance: SECRET.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must possess a valid United States Passport.
  • Must be able to acquire and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Must be able to acquire and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC).
  • Must be computer literate in Microsoft Office and shipboard monitoring and maintenance software.
  • Possess a thorough understanding of all pertinent regulations and laws.
  • Possess excellent analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  • Successfully submit and complete pre-employment background check.
  • Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests as mandated by the USCG, including pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing.

#SeawardServices
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The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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