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Lock and Cable Ferry Operators and Related Occupations (7435)

Job titles

  • attendant, ferry terminal
  • bridge attendant - canal lock systems
  • bridge keeper - lock system
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Nature of work

This unit group includes workers who operate lock gates, bridges and similar equipment along canal systems, workers who operate cable ferries and ferry terminal workers. They are employed by the federal government, cable ferry companies and in ferry terminals.

Fields of interest

  • Working in transportation and maintenance
  • Working with your hands

Main duties

  • Lock equipment operators perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Operate telecommunication equipment or use portable loudspeakers to direct movements of vessels in lock area
  • - Operate controls to open or close lock gates
  • - Operate controls to raise, lower or turn bridges
  • - Observe progress of vessels passing through locks.
  • Cable ferry operators perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Signal passengers and motor vehicles to embark and disembark
  • - Operate cable ferry across narrow waterway
  • - Perform routine maintenance and repairs to engine, cables and winches.
  • Ferry terminal workers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Operate controls to adjust landing bridge, position or remove gangplank, open or close doors and gates, and secure or remove docking devices
  • - Signal passengers and motor vehicles to embark and disembark
  • - May collect tickets or fares from passengers.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Employment requirements

  • * Some secondary school education is usually required.
  • * On-the-job training is provided.

Skill type

  • Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

Skill level

  • Intermediate

More information

  • * There is little or no mobility among lock equipment operators, cable ferry operators and ferry terminal workers.

Professional associations