Captain Stephen Bowen

Meet Captain Stephen Bowen

Navigating with Passion, Purpose, and Pride on the Delaware Bay

For Captain Stephen Bowen, a lifelong love of the water began right at home in Cape May. Growing up around boats and fishing along the Jersey coast, the ocean became more than a backdrop — it was a calling. That early connection to the sea inspired him to pursue a career that would take him around the world and eventually back to the waters where it all began.

“It’s an incredible privilege to sail the same waters I grew up around — and to be part of a crew that connects communities every day.”

Captain Stephen Bowen

After earning a degree in Marine Transportation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Captain Bowen joined the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) in 2016. Over the next five years, he sailed across the globe aboard a variety of ships, supporting naval missions and providing essential logistical operations for bases and fleets worldwide. His experience at MSC not only refined his navigation and leadership skills, but also instilled a deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and precision on the open water.

Returning home, he joined the Cape May–Lewes Ferry as a Mate — bringing international maritime experience to a local crew committed to excellence. After several years of service and hands-on leadership aboard the fleet, he was promoted to Captain, earning both his Unlimited Tonnage Master’s License and First Class Pilotage for the lower Delaware Bay.

Captain Bowen also had the unique opportunity to represent the Ferry abroad, traveling to Copenhagen and Amsterdam to witness and contribute to tank testing for the design of future Ferry vessels — helping shape the next generation of the Ferry’s fleet.

When he’s not at the helm, you can find him out on the water boating and fishing, or spending his free time golfing and traveling.

Fun Facts About Ferry Boats & Ferry History

How many standard vehicles can each Ferry carry?

Each of the current Ferry vessels in the Cape May – Lewes Ferry fleet can carry 100 standard vehicles on the car deck.

How many passengers can each Ferry carry?

Each Ferry vessel in the Cape May – Lewes Ferry fleet can carry 800 passengers (we call them “Foot Passengers”) along with the 100 standard vehicles on the car deck.

If I want to be a Ferry Captain can I start working on the Ferry crew to get there?

Yes you can! Anyone age 18 and over may apply to join the Cape May – Lewes Ferry crew, if you become a crew member you will begin – most likely – as an Ordinary Seaman, and work your way up. This is called the Hawespiper method. Learn more in our blog about Becoming a Ferry Captain.

Where was the first Ferry in the United States?

The first ferry in the United States is the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, which began operating in 1655 across the Connecticut River. This ferry is also the oldest continuously operating one in the country, connecting the towns of Rocky Hill and Glastonbury.