Job Description

Northumberland Ferries Limited, regional leader in the transportation industry, is seeking a Relief 2nd Mate Officer to work onboard our vessels that operate from the ports of Wood Islands, PE, and Caribou, NS. We provide a positive and inclusive work culture that is dedicated to creating an environment which promotes employee growth, career development, and job satisfaction. Some benefits of working with Northumberland Ferries Limited include competitive salaries, defined benefit pension plan, comprehensive health benefit packages, and professional development opportunities.


Reporting to the Master and Chief Officer, the Second Officer is the vessel's designated Safety Officer and Safety Representative. The Second Officer is directly responsible for the Safekeeping of the Navigational Watch. He/she upkeeps the overall condition of the bridge and its' associated equipment. The Second Officer should have specific knowledge to the maintenance requirements of the bridge equipment and ensure the bridge is kept clean and organized.

Education, Experience

and Licenses:

Canadian Watch keeping Mate, Near Coastal Certificate of Competency. Continued Proficiency Endorsement. Seafarers Medical Certificate. Radio Operator Certificate. Certificates of Proficiency in STCW Basic Safety, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats, and Advanced Fire Fighting. Continuous Certificate of Discharge (Discharge Book). Specialized Passenger Safety Management (Certificate or Endorsement)

Key Accountabilities:

Directly responsible for the care and upkeep of the lifesaving and fire-fighting equipment, which must be inspected bi-weekly. Be fully acquainted with fire-fighting equipment, alarm systems, safety equipment, anchors and windlasses, mooring equipment, and the Safety Management System. Be familiar with and ensure compliance with the emergency operation of all machinery and equipment in their respective departments on Company ships. Maintain wheelhouse equipment, charts, record books, nautical publications, compasses, clocks, sounding machines, navigational instruments, and aids to navigation, first aid kits, correction of charts, sailing directions and other nautical publications. Responsible for safeguarding the ship, its equipment, and stores from any detrimental practices or improper use by any passengers or ship's personnel. Have authority over the persons on their watch. As officer on deck in charge of loading, the Second Mate is responsible for the safe and efficient embarking and disembarking of passengers and vehicles. Responsible for the assignment, direction, and performance of duties of crew members. Responsible for checking with their predecessor, if possible, all equipment for which they are responsible and report to the Master any defects or shortages.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Knowledge of vessel operating processes, procedures, and technology. Conflict resolution skills. WHMIS is required (Company provided training). Accessibility training is required (Company provided training). Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Training is required (Company provided training).?
NOTICE: In order to work on Canadian ships, seafarers must be legally allowed to work in Canada (through citizenship or permanent residency)


Northumberland Ferries Limited is committed to employment equity and actively recruits candidates from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act (women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities)


We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please submit copies of your certifications when applying.