Job Description

Northumberland Ferries Limited, regional leader in the transportation industry, is seeking a Relief Chief 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.




The First Mate (Chief Officer) is directly responsible to the Captain for the efficient and economical operation of the deck department, maintaining equipment in their charge, and the allocation of duties to, and supervision of, all persons under their authority. The First Mate has authority over all junior Deck Officers and all members of the deck department crew. While on watch, as the Captain's representative, they are responsible for the safety of the ship, the compliance with regulations, and carrying out the orders of the Captain.

Education, Experience and Licenses:

Chief Officer Near Coastal or Unlimited certificate. (Master Near Coastal preferred) Seafarers Medical Certificate. Radio Operator Certificate. Certificates of Proficiency in STCW Basic Safety, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats, Advanced Fire Fighting. Continuous Certificate of Discharge (Discharge Book). Specialized Passenger Safety Management.

Key Accountabilities:

As the Captain's deputy, ensures the safe operation of the vessel and the safety of passengers, crew and vehicles; ensures all crew members and wharfingers are accounted for and wearing proper personal protective equipment. Prepares ship for daily operations; Toolbox Talks, checks all navigational equipment, deck machinery and shore ramps. Supervises vessel loading and unloading, embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. Performs administrative duties and maintains various records such as attendance, overtime, Transport Canada Logs, Management System Check Lists, incident & accident reports, Planned Maintenance system preventative maintenance jobs. Supervises the maintenance and repair or replacement of all firefighting and lifesaving equipment. Is familiar with and ensures compliance with the emergency operation of all machinery and equipment in their respective departments on Company ships. Supervises and coordinates activities of deck crews, trains new crew members and mentors Junior Officers.

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.