Inside the Career of Captain Steels: One of Kingston’s Most Experienced Mariners
Captain Steels has spent over 40 years navigating the waters of the 1,000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River. In this Q&A, he shares the challenges he has faced, the milestones he reached, and the personal relationships that shaped his career in the marine tour industry.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up along the river in Napanee, Ontario. After graduating high school, I dabbled in a variety of jobs but failed to find one I was passionate about. Eventually, I decided to go to St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, to major in marketing. During my second year, I applied to work for the summer with Kingston & The Islands Boatlines. Despite interviewing, I failed to secure a position. While I was packing my bags to move back to Napanee for the summer, my phone rang -- it was the Boatlines. Someone had decided not to accept a job as a deckhand, and I was offered the position. That opportunity, as startling as it may sound, marked the beginning of my more than 40-year career in the tour vessel industry.
My primary love has always been my work, but I have also coached children's hockey from the B level to the AAA level and served on minor hockey boards. In the end, I was appointed an Ontario Coach Mentor. Another one of my passions is passing on my knowledge to the next generation of marine workers.
My primary love has always been my work, but I have also coached children's hockey from the B level to the AAA level and served on minor hockey boards. In the end, I was appointed an Ontario Coach Mentor. Another one of my passions is passing on my knowledge to the next generation of marine workers.
Q: You started as a deckhand in the 1980s. What inspired you to pursue a career on the water, and how did you work your way up to Captain?
Captain Steels and his granddaughter.
I can still remember the moment -- it was during my first season, and we had a night charter. I was standing on the bow deck of the Island Queen III. I could hear the bow wave and the boat moving through the water, and I remember thinking, “How do they know where they are? I need to figure this out.”
I had two great mentors: Capt. Paul Papps and Capt. John Smith. Both helped me work my way through the process. To gain a Master Minor Waters Transport Canada Certificate at that time, you needed 365 days of sea time, to pass three Transport Canada exams, and to complete a three-hour interview with three or more Transport Canada inspectors. You also had to take a two-week emergency duties training course, as well as marine medical, VHF radio operator, and radar training.
I had two great mentors: Capt. Paul Papps and Capt. John Smith. Both helped me work my way through the process. To gain a Master Minor Waters Transport Canada Certificate at that time, you needed 365 days of sea time, to pass three Transport Canada exams, and to complete a three-hour interview with three or more Transport Canada inspectors. You also had to take a two-week emergency duties training course, as well as marine medical, VHF radio operator, and radar training.
Only then were you able to work as a mate to learn the art of ship-handling skills. For this, I had Capt. Terry Thomas as my mentor -- he was one of the very best. It was Capt. Thomas who recognized that I had the skill and personality for this industry.
So, as you can see, it took many people along the way to get me to where I am now.
So, as you can see, it took many people along the way to get me to where I am now.
Q: As the Island Queen’s captain, what does a typical day look like for you -- and what’s the most challenging part of navigating the 1000 Islands?
That is more of a “then and now” question. Back then, I came to the vessel on the scheduled day, captained the vessel along the approved route, and then went home.
After many years, and after being appointed Senior Master for Kingston & The Islands Boatlines, my year is now divided into two seasons: off-season and in-season.
In the off-season, I lead a very talented team of professional mariners. Together, we have designed and completed a number of upgrades over the years such as re-powering projects, new generators, and new vessel equipment for both hospitality and marine operations. We also handle all of Transport Canada's regulatory obligations, from design plan approvals and new stability books to training manuals, all while keeping the vessel in full compliance.
In-season, my main goals are to staff and support both certified and non-certified crew members, giving them all the tools they need to succeed in their positions.
After many years, and after being appointed Senior Master for Kingston & The Islands Boatlines, my year is now divided into two seasons: off-season and in-season.
In the off-season, I lead a very talented team of professional mariners. Together, we have designed and completed a number of upgrades over the years such as re-powering projects, new generators, and new vessel equipment for both hospitality and marine operations. We also handle all of Transport Canada's regulatory obligations, from design plan approvals and new stability books to training manuals, all while keeping the vessel in full compliance.
In-season, my main goals are to staff and support both certified and non-certified crew members, giving them all the tools they need to succeed in their positions.
Occasionally, I still get behind the big wheel of the Queen and simply enjoy the day, the crew, and the passengers. Watching the river go by is still my favorite part of the job.
Q: You’ve trained many of Kingston’s next-generation marine officers. What key lessons do you emphasize to those entering the industry today?
You must enjoy the idea of going slow and keep always an eye on the safety of life at sea. The industry offers many paths: touring vessels, lake ships, ferries, or deep-sea work. It is up to you to find your own path. This requires commitment to education and training, which never stops. However, my advice would be to find your path and commit to it.
Q: You’re a vocal advocate for hiring equity in marine workplaces. Why is diversity important to the industry’s future?
This industry has traditionally been an older, male-dominated business. It wasn’t until 2024, that here at Kingston & The Islands, we had our first female captain and mate team working together on one vessel. I am very proud of this breakthrough. Not only does it support recruitment efforts, but having female crew members work alongside other women improves day-to-day operations and opens lines of communication, especially by providing someone they can confide in.
Bringing new Canadians into the industry is also key to addressing the ongoing shortage of marine officers. As a feeder system to the larger ship industry, this can only help.
Bringing new Canadians into the industry is also key to addressing the ongoing shortage of marine officers. As a feeder system to the larger ship industry, this can only help.
Q: After decades on the water, what still makes guiding passengers through the 1000 Islands a rewarding experience for you?
It is the whole package: showcasing the beauty of the 1,000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River; our partnership with the island owners -- without whom we would have nothing to show; and passing on knowledge to the next generation of touring vessel mariners -- not just my own, but my very knowledgeable, seasoned staff as well. The relationships I have with our company, competitors both young and old, and my own sense of identity as the Senior Master of Kingston & The Islands Boatlines keep me on the river. I am a RIVER RAT, and proud of that.
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