Captain Melissa Velli

Meet Captain Melissa Velli

There’s more than one way to become a Ferry Captain — through maritime academy training or by hawsepiping, the traditional seafarer’s path of working up through the ranks. (Fun fact: the “hawsepipe” is the sturdy opening where a ship’s anchor chain passes through the bow.)

“It wasn’t an easy path to get here, and it took time — but I couldn’t ask for a better job. I see and learn something new every day.”

Captain Velli

Cape May native Melissa Velli chose the hawsepiper’s route. She began her Ferry career in 2000 in food service and, four years later, transitioned to the marine crew. By 2004, she was accumulating the 360 days of sea time needed to earn her U.S. Coast Guard certification as an Ordinary Seaman — the first of many milestones on her way to the bridge.

Through dedication, training, and countless hours on the Bay, Melissa advanced to Able-Bodied Seaman and later Mate, mastering every aspect of Ferry operations. She went on to earn her USCG Inland Masters License of unlimited tonnage and a USCG First Class Pilot endorsement upon the Delaware Bay, along with certifications in First Aid, Advanced Marine Firefighting, and Marine Radio and Radar Operations.

In 2018, she was promoted to Pilot, and by June of that year, she took her first voyage as Captain.

“It wasn’t an easy path to get here, and it took time,” she reflects. “But I couldn’t ask for a better job. I see and learn something new every day.”

Today, Captain Velli’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of hands-on experience. For anyone considering a maritime career, her journey proves that with hard work and passion, the view from the bridge is within reach.

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.