Ferry Master

North Carolina Association of Official Court Reporters; North Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Transportation is seeking a Ferry Master for Cherry Branch operations in Craven County. The role requires navigating Coast Guard–inspected ferries, supervising deck and engine-room staff, and enforcing safety standards.

Qualified candidates hold a valid USCG Master license for Inspected Ferry Vessels, Radar Observer, and a Marine Radio Operator permit. TWIC is required for interview, with 7 on/7 off shift work. Apply by the posted date.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Inspected Ferry Vessels with sufficient gross tonnage.
• Possession of a valid Radar Observer certificate issued by a USCG-approved institution.
• Possession of a Marine Radio Operator permit (FCC).
• TWIC card required for interview process ( TSA ).

Responsibilities

• Navigate vessels on pre-charted routes between dock terminals and adhere to navigational regulations.
• Direct crews in operation and maintenance; coordinate with marine engineer for repairs.
• Assist with safety inspections by Coast Guard; address any deficiencies.
• Conduct safety meetings and emergency drills for crew and passengers.
• Oversee docking facilities and loading/discharging of vehicles, passengers, and cargo.
• Train and supervise junior crew members; perform related duties as required.

Skills

Maritime regs

Radar & GPS

Crew supervision

Chart plotting

Ship handling

Education

Coast Guard Master license

Radar Observer certificate

Marine Radio Operator permit

Job description

## Ferry MasterApply: Craven County, NC: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: September 24, 2026 (13 days left to apply): JR-123677**Agency**Dept of Transportation**Division**Transit**Job Classification Title**Ferry Master (S)**Position Number**60018714**Grade**NC11**About Us**It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.**Description of Work**Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. \\*\\*THIS IS A REPOST - APPLICANTS THAT PREVIOUSLY APPLIED MUST RE-APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED\\*\\* Work in this class involves full responsibility for operating U.S. Coast Guard Inspected vessels across North Carolina near coastal, sound, and river waterways. Employees supervise deck, above deck, and engine room personnel; ensure safe operation and navigation of the ferry vessel while underway and enforce safety guidelines and rules for vessel crew and passengers. Employees operate vessels of varying gross tonnage, on various waterways, and in varying weather and work conditions. Employees interpret radar, Global Positioning Systems and weather instruments or oversee these operations. Employees are responsible for overseeing compliance with all safety and Homeland Security rules and regulations. Work is reviewed by superiors through written reports and by U.S. Coast Guard inspections. Employees may perform other duties as required Job duties include, but not limited to: •Navigates vessels on a pre-charted course between dock terminals, reads weather instruments, operates electrical communications devices, and adheres to navigational regulations to ensure safe passage while underway. •Directs crews in operational and maintenance functions of the vessel. Confers with the marine engineer on routine and emergency repair and maintenance problems. Takes appropriate action to remedy such problems. •Assists departmental and United States Coast Guard in making safety inspections. Takes immediate action to correct inadequacies determined by such inspections. •Conducts safety meetings and emergency drills to ensure maximum protection for crew and passengers. Maintains proper safety equipment and periodically inspects such equipment to maintain its working order. •Periodically checks the condition of all docking facilities and supervises the loading and discharging of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo. •Trains and supervises lower-level crew members. •Performs related duties as required. This position will be at the Cherry Branch Ferry operations and will work shift work - 7 days on and 7 days off. A copy of a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) of 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) Inland Waters Master or higher, a current USCG Medical card, and Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) must be presented at the interview process.**Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences**Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC11 $45,431 - $79,504**Management prefers applicants with the following:*** Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and U.S. Coast Guard laws and regulations.* Knowledge of radar, navigational, Global Positioning Systems, and communication equipment pertaining to ferry, or similar vessel operations.* Skill in supervising and instructing personnel in areas of maritime transportation.* Skill in chart readings and plotting courses.* Experience in navigating a vessel involving ship handling and seamanship**Minimum Education and Experience**Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Inspected Ferry Vessels with sufficient gross tonnage for the vessel operated. Possession of a valid certificate as Radar Observer issued by an institution approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Possession of a valid Marine Radio Operator permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Necessary Special Qualifications Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).