Master, Major

BC Ferries; Bella Coola; On-site; CAD 135,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ferry service provider seeks a Master for its operations based in Bella Coola. This role involves overseeing navigation, ensuring safety, managing crew, and upholding customer service standards. Candidates must have a Master, Near Coastal, or Master Mariner Certificate, along with supervisory experience and proficiency in MS applications. This is a full-time position with a target salary range of $135,600-$150,700 per annum. Applications are welcomed from all qualified individuals.

Qualifications

• Experience as a master of a large vessel.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Training in business and leadership would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee navigation of the vessel safely and efficiently.
• Make operational judgements based on weather and vessel traffic.
• Ensure high standards of customer service.
• Monitor and control budget expenditures.
• Oversee accurate completion of employee time sheets.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service focus

Operational judgement

Computer proficiency

Mariner professionalism

Education

Master, Near Coastal, or Master Mariner Certificate of Competency

Tools

MS Suite applications

Job description

Job Description

MASTER

Bella Coola

The opportunity

We are currently seeking applications from individuals interested in being considered for the Shipboard Management position of Master working out of Bella Coola.

As Master, you lead the shipboard management team and are responsible for safety; departmental leadership; crew supervision and a strong customer service focus. The Master ensures efficient vessel operations, including navigation, route and ship management, regulatory compliance, maintaining operational records and logs, and supporting the business performance of the vessel. The Master oversees crew training in fire, safety and boat drills, ensure that safety equipment is operational and provide leadership in emergency situations.

The Role:

• Oversee the navigation of the vessel between ports safely and efficiently, ensuring that it is berthed and unberthed in a safe, efficient manner
• Make operational judgements based on weather, vessel traffic, and condition of the ship
• Oversee the comprehensive vessel maintenance program, including cleaning, monitoring and replacement of safety and fire equipment, bridge equipment, stores, publications, and certificates
• Ensure a high standard of customer service, resolving and providing guidance on the resolution of customer and employee problems, complaints, and grievances
• Ensure that all written policies and procedures are kept current and that the route performance records and vessel’s operation are in accordance with regulatory, certification, and audit requirements
• Act as an on-watch management representative for the Company
• Are computer proficient with a good working knowledge of current software programs
• Are an innovative leader with a strong focus on customer service and Company objectives
• Ensure high standards of mariner professionalism and employee relations at all times
• Assist in the preparation of the deck budget, as well as ensuring effective vessel financial administration
• Monitor and watch budget, controlling labour and non-labour expenditures, and explaining cost variances
• Oversee the accurate completion of employee staff time sheets
• Perform other duties as required

What you bring to the team

Master, Near Coastal, or Master Mariner Certificate of Competency. Experience as a master of a large vessel. In addition, you have demonstrated supervisory experience and proficiency in MS suite applications.

Training in business and leadership would be an asset. Travel is required.

Join us!

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by January 11, 2026.

Additional information

The target salary range: $135,600-$150,700 per annum. The starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate’s knowledge, experience and internal equity. Starting salary may exceed the target range on exceptional basis.

"We connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives"

At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. BC Ferries supports 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.