Deckhand / Bridge Watch

BC Ferries; North Cowichan; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

BC Ferries is seeking a customer-minded Deckhand Bridgewatch for our Crofton vessel crew. You will assist in vessel operations, safety, traffic control of vehicles and passengers, and stay alert for hazards while on watch.

You will hold a Bridge Watch Rating CoC or higher and MED training (A1/B2) plus Survival Craft (B1); valid Seafarer's Medical Certificate; ability to operate under deck officers; and perform maintenance duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bridge Watch Rating CoC or higher required with STCW safety training.
• MED A1 and MED B2 certifications; Survival Craft MED B1 proficiency.
• Valid Seafarer's Medical Certificate at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Direct vehicle and foot passenger traffic on the vessel and shore.
• Communicate with ships officers and staff by radio or in person.
• Check propane tanks are shut off and tagged; secure car decks and gates.
• Perform maintenance duties on interior and exterior of the vessel.
• Patrol for safety hazards, assist with watches, and stand bridge/anchor watch.
• Assist with drills, emergency duties, and inventory tasks as assigned.

Skills

Bridge watch rating CoC

Education

MED A1

MED B2

MED B1 Survival Craft

Seafarer's Medical Certificate

Job description

DECKHAND BRIDGEWATCH

Crofton

The Opportunity

We are seeking a customer-minded individual who plays a critical role in vessel operations and safety.

Reporting to the Chief Officer / Mate, BW Deckhands are responsible for:

• Directing vehicle and foot passenger traffic on the vessel, and to and from shore to the vessel.
• Communicating in person and or by radio with ships’ officers and ticketing staff
• Checking propane tanks are shut off, and tagged
• Securing car decks and foot passenger gates prior to departure
• Carrying out under direction general ships’ husbandry, cleaning and maintenance duties of the interior and exterior of the vessel including but not limited to garbage pickup, cleaning mess rooms, stairwells and interior windows; pushing, pulling and lifting heavy stores; chipping and scrapping surfaces; and painting
• Patrolling the vessel to watch for unusual situations, potential safety hazards and passenger compliance with regulations; standing fog, bridge or anchor watch; steering the vessel under the direction of a deck officer when serving as a quartermaster; and keeping a constant lookout for marine traffic and navigational hazards
• Performing additional duties as assigned which may include standby anchors during docking; participating in fire and boat drills; preforming emergency duties; conducting checkoffs for self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighting; doing vehicle counts; assisting with annual refit and life raft exchange; spreading salt; splicing rope; taking inventory; and changing navigation lights

What you bring to the team

You hold a Bridge Watch Rating CoC or higher and Marine Emergency duties training – STCW Basic Safety (MED A1 and MED B2) and Proficiency in Survival Craft (MED B1). You have the ability to react in a safe and effective manner during an emergency and to direct and control vehicles and passengers. You have a working knowledge of safe work practices and seamanship and ability to climb ladders, handle ships’ lines and move heavy objects. Applicants must hold a valid Seafarer's Medical Certificate.

Join us!

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by November 6, 2026.

"We sail to serve and connect the people and the coast of BC"

At BC Ferries, our people are at the heart of delivering safe and reliable service along 1,600 km of coastline. Every day, we connect communities and move tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles across our 25 routes through the dedication, expertise and hard work of our teams. Guided by a shared commitment to safety, service, inclusion, and local commitment, we offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a positive impact. Whether you work onboard our vessels, in our terminals or behind the scenes, you'll play an important role in connecting people, supporting communities, and keeping coastal BC moving.

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 selected for an interview will be contacted.