Ferry captain James Harpell works aboard the Country Harbour ferry, one of seven operated by the Nova Scotia Transportation De­partment as part of the provincial highway system. He got his sea legs working aboard fishing trawlers decades ago, eventually put­ting in time on ocean-going ships out of Halifax. (Contributed)

A SEAFARER'S LIFE is not for everybody, even if the job happens to be close to home.

"You have to be interested in being out on the water working long shifts. A lot of young people, they seem to want something more exciting than that," said ferry captain James Harpell, who has become something of a fixture at the Country Harbour crossing between Sherbrooke and Canso.

It's interesting that young residents of the seabound coast of Nova Scotia often overlook a career working on the water, said Capt. Harpell.

He started working aboard fishing trawlers decades ago, eventually putting in time on ocean-going ships out of Halifax, including those operated by the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

The captain said he sometimes wonders who will pilot the provincial ferries as former fishermen who currently make up most crews around the province approach retirement.

"It is getting more difficult for young people to get the sea time they require since the fishery collapsed in the '90s. It's getting difficult for them to find fishing boats to build up their time," he said.

The Country Harbour ferry is one of seven operated by the Nova Scotia Transportation Department as part of the provincial highway system.

Some of these ferries are in pretty remote locations, carry perhaps a dozen vehicles and provide essential service for area residents and visitors. Each of the ferries is manned by a captain and a deck officer.

"Working on a ferry crossing is a lot different than being at sea. You can have some busy times on the ferry, especially in the summer, but you are looking at the same thing most days," Capt. Harpell said.

"It's a lot different when you're out at sea. I can tell you that."

He said that a good many times he went to sleep hugging his sea bag to keep from rolling side to side in his bunk when the going got rough.

If you are interested in a career on the water, then read on.

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Ship's captains and deck officers are responsible for ships or self-propelled vessels used to transport passengers and cargo. They must understand navigational aids and determine the geographical position of the ship using navigational instruments, maps, and charts. They also direct and oversee the loading and unloading of cargo, and record in the ship's log the vessel's progress, crew activities, and weather and sea conditions.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE WORK IN THIS JOB?
A sense of responsibility and strong leadership qualities are needed. You must be in good health and meet eyesight and colour vision requirements.

Problem-solving and decision-making skills are also important. A mechanical aptitude may also be helpful.

Eighty-eight per cent of captains and deck officers have a trade certificate, diploma or degree.

At seven per cent, women are beginning to make inroads into this traditionally male occupation. The average age is 41, with 82 per cent being 35 or older. Only three per cent work part time, and four per cent report working for themselves.

WHERE DO THEY WORK?
Annapolis Valley 8%
Cape Breton 19 %
Halifax 38 %
North Shore 15 %
South Shore 20 %

WHAT TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED?
Deck officers are required to have successfully completed high school.

Either a deck officer cadet program from an approved nautical institute or one to three years of experience as a member of a deck crew is also required.

Deck officers are required to have a Transport Canada certificate of competency.

Training is offered at various levels that you may combine to finish with a master mariner certificate.

Ship pilots require a licence issued by the Atlantic Pilotage Authority and a master certificate of competency from Transport Canada.

WHAT ARE THE WORK PROSPECTS?
Employment in deep-sea shipping for mariners, including ship's captains, is expected to be steady in the coming years.

New international regulations have raised shipping standards with respect to safety, training and working conditions.

Consequently, competition from ships that sail under foreign flags of convenience should lessen as insurance rates rise for ships that do not meet the new standards.

Possible future developments include ocean-going cargo vessels with jet propulsion, which would decrease ocean-crossing times significantly.

If such plans are successful, the industry will benefit in terms of increased business and employment.

The ferries to Newfoundland and other smaller ferry services around the province are the major employers of deck officers. These occupations are typically seasonal.

Outlook: Fair
Employment in 2005: 560
Estimated average annual number of job openings for new workers: 25
Earnings in 2005: averaged $20.25, with a maximum of $50.

TYPICAL JOBS
Navigation officer, ship's captain, ship's first mate.

For information, or to explore over 300 other careers in Nova Scotia, visit the Education Department's Career Options website: novascotiacareeroptions.ca

On the Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia. Past columns are archived at www.jobspress.com