Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations
Also called: Lock operator, Scow operator, Barge operator, Launch operator, Workboat operator, Motorboat operator, Water bus operator, Canal lock operator, Charter boat master, Motor boat operator, Water taxi operator, Cable ferry deckhand
Boat and cable ferry operators and workers in related occupations operate lock gates, bridges and similar equipment along canal systems and operate cable ferries and ferry terminals. This unit group also includes boat operators, and owner-operators, who operate small motorboats or watercraft to transport passengers or freight. They are employed by the federal government, cable ferry companies, ferry terminals, marine companies and canal, port or harbour authorities. Owner-operators of small boats are self-employed.
Main tasks
- Lock equipment operators
- Operate telecommunication equipment or use portable loudspeakers to direct movements of vessels in lock area
- Operate controls to open or close lock gates
- Operate controls to raise, lower or turn bridges
- Observe progress of vessels passing through locks
- Cable ferry operators
- Signal passengers and motor vehicles to embark and disembark
- Operate cable ferry across narrow waterway
How to become one
Some secondary school education is usually required. On-the-job training is provided. Master, Master Limited or Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) Certificate, issued by Transport Canada, is required for boat operators. Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training is required for boat operators and crew members.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $53,898 a year The middle half earn $48,750 to $62,400.
- About 2,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 2,900 are projected by 2033. (+11.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
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Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03