JOB POSTING:
JOB TITLE: Ordinary Seafarer (Posting 2026-25)

LOCATION: Pelee Islander 1

POSTING CLOSES: May 19, 2026 at 9:30 AM EST

NUMBER OF VACANCIES: One (1)

START DATE: June 1, 2026

TYPE: Full Time, Summer (June to October)

REPORTS TO: Captain

UNION: Unifor – Unit 1

SALARY: $24.32 per hour

The duties of an Ordinary Seafarer may be divided into deck operations and maintenance, including vehicle loading and unloading, they report to the First Mate. When assigned as a member of a bridge watch, they report to the Officer in charge of the watch.

The Ordinary Seafarer is accountable for maintaining a safe and efficient working environment on board. This includes adhering to all safety protocols, following instructions from superiors, performing assigned duties diligently, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. Additionally, the Ordinary Seafarer should foster teamwork, demonstrate professionalism, and contribute to the overall well-being of the crew and vessel. Regular reporting of any irregularities or safety concerns is essential to uphold the integrity of maritime operations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The primary job duties and responsibilities for the Ordinary Seafarer include but are not limited to the following:

• Performing the duties of lookout as stated in the Recommended Code of Nautical Procedures and Practices.
• Perform steering duties.
• Preparing mooring stations for arrival and departure.
• Assisting with the safe mooring and departure of the vessel.
• Operating all ramps on the car deck.
• Assisting with passenger safety and welfare.
• Carrying out maintenance duties when required in the deck department.
• Maintaining general hygiene of the deck department.
• Maintaining inventory of deck supplies and reporting to the First Mate.
• Carrying out emergency duties and participating in drills.
• Assist with loading and unloading the ship.
• Prepare daily meals as per rotation for crew.
• Complete weekly and monthly checklist for planned maintenance.
• Complete Fire and Safety Checks.
• Be Familiar with lifesaving appliances onboard and are a member of the fire party, and carries out Emergency Response Duties per the Muster list.
• Reporting safety concerns, and near misses, to First Mate or Captain.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, WORK EXPERIENCE, and SKILLS

• Marine Emergency Duties (MED) certification or ability to complete after 6 months of sea time, including Basic Safety, Firefighting, and Proficiency in Survival Craft certifications.
• Marine Basic First Aid is preferred.
• Valid fit for work document completed by a physician. By the time 6 months of sea time work is completed will need to get a Candidate Document Number and Transport Canada STCW Marine Medical Certificate.
• Valid Canadian passport: Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status, with ability to enter the United States of America.
• Bridge watch Certificate is preferred.
• Safe Food Handling is preferred.
• Work safely and effectively as a team member.
• Ability to communicate with crew members, and passengers.
• Ability to read, write, understand, and speak English.
• Preferred applicants possess initiative, a team-oriented work style, and a track record for workplace safety.

SAFETY SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

• Zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol.
• Personal Protective Equipment (boots, pants/shorts, eye and ear protective wear).

EFFORT – PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS

• Ability to perform high physical demands including:
• Regular need to climb a flight of stairs.
• Lifting and packing boxes up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand consistently for 2 hours at a time.
• Ability to climb up to 12 ft ladders.
• Ability to see 100’ with good depth perception.
• Ability to communicate in person and over the phone.
• Ability to read printed materials and a computer screen.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Mobility to work in a shipboard, marine environment at dock and in transit.
• Occasional exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Shift work and requirement to be away from home for periods of time up to one week.
• Occasional requirement to respond to unplanned or time sensitive operational needs beyond standard hours of work to respond to emergencies and time sensitive matters.
• Meals, and accommodation provided on the vessel during work rotation.

How To Apply?

Please upload your resume in PDF format.

We are committed to the principle of fair representation of individuals from the four designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act. We encourage qualified women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities to apply for our positions.

If you require any accommodations in the recruitment process, please reach out to HR@ontarioferries.com to discuss, but please note that applications will not be reviewed or accepted via this email address.

Notice on Use of Technology in Recruitment – We may use technology, including AI tools, to support parts of the application process. All hiring decisions are made by people.