Captain Dave Macomber

Meet Captain Dave Macomber

Macomber's job is different every day

For Dave Macomber, the wildlife on the Delaware Bay is always changing. As one of the captains of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, he might see a flock of rare gannets and a pod of frolicking dolphins one day, and seals sunning themselves on the rocks and a stingray or butterfly migration the next.

We [Ferry Captains] are a segment of the Merchant Marine, and it takes an average of 10 years to meet the requirement for a license.

Captain Macomber

Then there’s the weather. One day, the bay might be smooth as glass; the next, rough with chopping waves. Macomber has been through blizzards and, at times, has had to break through icy waters.

It takes an average of 10 years to meet the requirements of a license.

Passengers also provide interest when they hold their weddings (yes, the captain can marry you, but it’s only legal as long as you’re on board), bachelor parties and birthdays on the ferry.

Macomber’s job is different every day, but he and his crew are always ready for what Mother Nature and his passengers have in store.

Macomber has 40 years of experience in the maritime industry. He had to work his way through numerous ranks, hours of time on the water, and tests to qualify for a Coast Guard license to pilot the ferry. “We are a segment of the Merchant Marine, and it takes an average of 10 years to meet the requirement for a license,” he says.

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.