Port Captain Derek Robinson

Meet Port Captain Derek Robinson

Charting Success Through Experience, Leadership, and a Lifelong Love of the Sea

For Port Captain Derek Robinson, life on the water isn’t just a career — it’s a legacy. Growing up on commercial fishing boats oystering and surf clamming along the New Jersey coast, Derek developed an early connection to maritime life that would guide his professional journey. From those formative years on working vessels, his love for seamanship and respect for the ocean only deepened.

“Every day brings something new — new challenges, new opportunities, and new ways to make a difference on the water. That’s what keeps me inspired.”

Port Captain Robinson

He went on to earn his degree in Nautical Science from the Maine Maritime Academy, a program known for shaping skilled and resourceful maritime professionals. Throughout his career, Derek has combined technical expertise with hands-on experience across a wide range of vessels and roles, from deep-sea tankers to tugboats and commercial fishing fleets.

Before joining the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), he served as a deep-sea mate aboard Alaskan North Slope Crude Oil (ANSCO) tankers for the Alaska Tanker Company, operated commercial fishing vessels targeting oysters, surf clams, and scallops in South Jersey, and managed ship fueling operations in major East Coast ports — including Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York — while operating tugs and barges with Vane Brothers.

Derek joined the Cape May–Lewes Ferry in 2017 as Assistant Port Captain, where his operational knowledge, leadership skills, and commitment to safety quickly stood out. After a year of dedicated service, he was promoted to Port Captain as part of a strategic succession plan — a role in which he now oversees vessel operations, navigational standards, and crew development across the Ferry fleet.
A proud member of the Wilmington University Chapter of Sigma Beta Delta, Derek’s leadership philosophy blends professional discipline with humor and camaraderie — earning him the affectionate reputation of being “routinely caught and frequently accused of being awesome multiple times daily.” Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his family and taking in the beauty of the places he once only saw from the helm.

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.