Town Hiring Ferry Captains and Crew

By Adam Swift

The town is looking for some seaworthy employees to captain and crew the Winthrop Ferry on weekends.

Applications for the weekend positions are available on the town’s website at www.town.winthrop.ma.us. All applications should be to town HR Director Stacy Calla at smcalla@town.winthrop.ma.us and should have “Ferry Crew Captain” in the subject line.

The town’s website lists two openings for ferry captains at $35 per hour, and three openings for ferry crew.

The major duties listed for the captains include operating the 53-foot twin diesel catamaran ferry with a capacity of 73 passengers in Boston Harbor while adhering to all Coast Guard rules and regulations; maintaining a ferry deck log of all trips; vessel inspections; supervision of the crew in ticket collection; line handling and vehicle maintenance; conducting periodic safety drills; fueling and cleaning of the vessel; embarking and disembarking passengers; written reports of accidents; a strong focus on customer service; and proficiency in using navigational equipment.

Requirements for the captain positions include a USCG Masters License for a minimum of 50 tons, CPR and first aid certification, skill in the use of navigation and GPS equipment, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, and an FCC radio operators permit. Two years of marine experience is preferred, with two years as a captain with an outstanding record.

The job qualifications for the crew positions include considerable knowledge of the procedures and practices exercised in loading and unloading a ferry vessel; working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of hoists, motors and safety devices required in the operation of a ferry; and working knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations governing the operation of a ferry vessel in intra-coastal waters.

The ferry had its engines replaced over the off season, and recently passed its Coast Guard inspection, according to Town Manager Tony Marino.

Town officials said the commuter ferry schedule for the upcoming season should be released shortly.