Captain Joe Napoleon

Meet Captain Joe Napoleon

A place where your love of water may lead you.

Capt. Joe Napoleon has always loved the water. Even as a youngster, he spent as much time as possible on any kind of boat. So, it’s no surprise he grew up to sail the Delaware Bay. “Being able to make my career as a captain of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry has definitely been like a dream come true,” he says.

Every day I get to take in the most amazing view from my office window.

Captain Napoleon

Napoleon spent six years serving his sea time with the Coast Guard, earning his various licenses and accreditations, and working as a seasonal employee on the ferry. About eight years ago, he took the examination to become a captain.

Every day, he now gets to take in “the most amazing view from my ‘office’ window,” he says.

The captain enjoys the days when weather conditions are calm, but he also confidently handles ice, fog, and heavy winds. In fact, teaching others how to operate the ferry in extreme weather is a highlight of his job.

Although ferry captains aren’t permitted to perform marriage ceremonies, Napoleon still has witnessed special moments at sea. “One of our passengers proposed to his girlfriend on the boat, and being out on the bay made it even more romantic,” he says. “I was honored to be a part of that couple’s engagement day.”

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.