Captain Sharon Urban

Meet Captain Sharon Urban

At 19, Sharon Lyn Urban thought she was taking a simple summer job in food service at the Cape May–Lewes Ferry. She never imagined that one summer would launch a lifelong maritime career. But once she experienced the beauty of the Delaware Bay and the camaraderie of her shipmates, she knew she’d found something special.

“The best thing about working on the ferry are the people I work side by side with every day. They are like family and make coming to work so much easier.”

Captain Urban

In 1997, Sharon joined the Ferry’s marine department as an Ordinary Seaman, setting her course toward leadership on the water. Through years of training, dedication, and sea time, she rose through the ranks—first as an Able-Bodied Seaman, then as Mate—and in 2024 proudly earned her promotion to Captain.

Today, Captain Urban holds a United States Coast Guard Inland Masters License of unlimited tonnage and is a USCG First Class Pilot upon the Delaware Bay. She is also certified in CPR/First Aid, Advanced Marine Firefighting, and Marine Radio and Radar Operations.

A lifelong Cape May resident, Captain Urban feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in the community where she grew up. “Though I have visited many places in my lifetime, there is no place like where I was born and raised.”

Her journey proves that great careers can start close to home — and that opportunity, adventure, and purpose await anyone ready to set sail on the Delaware Bay.

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.