Second Mate

JOB TITLE: Second Mate (Posting

LOCATION: Pelee Islander 2

POSTING CLOSES: December 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM EST

START DATE: Expected January 1, 2026

TYPE: Full Time, Year-Round (based on 185 Obligation Days)

REPORTS TO: Captain

UNION: Unifor – Unit 2

SALARY: $78,395 per year, plus vacation pay and benefits

The Second Mate is responsible for overseeing the loading, unloading of the vessel, maintenance, and operation of the vessel Deck Department in compliance with company policy. Incumbents stand a navigational watch and oversee the orientation and training of crew.

The Second Mate assists with 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 Second 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.
• Assist and learn from the First Mate loading and unloading procedures.
• Supports the effective maintenance of watertight shell openings, loading ramps and the bow visor.
• Ensure passenger and crew safety and welfare.
• Assist with the emergency response teams for fire, evacuation and pollution and carries out Emergency Response Duties per the Muster list.
• Understand how to safely operate bow visor ramps and hydraulic pumps.
• Ensure freight is loaded on the deck securely and in compliance with company policy.
• Responsible for weekly, monthly, inspections of first aid, life saving, and fire fighting equipment.
• Utilize and assist Service Aides with the cafeteria Point-of-Sale terminal.
• Assist with the safe mooring and departure of the vessel.
• Supervise deck employees during loading and unloading operations.
• Orientation and training of crew per the Safety Management System.
• 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, 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, Bridge Watch Practices and Procedures, Watchkeeping Practices and Procedures, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Canadian Buoyage System, and Collision Regulations.
• Assist with issuing Vehicles damages report whenever needed and insure that involved passenger is having a copy of the full report before leaving.
• Oversees, performs, and assigns other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, WORK EXPERIENCE, and SKILLS

• High School or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive marine industry experience including a minimum of 6 months experience in the operation of a passenger ferry in Canadian waters or an acceptable combination of education and qualifying experience.
• Valid Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate Certificate.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, 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).

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.

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