Captains of the Cape May - Lewes Ferry: The Leaders of Delaware Bay
For more than six decades, the Cape May–Lewes Ferry has been guided by a dedicated team of mariners whose careers span the bridge, the deck and the engine room — from initial sea-time assignments to commanding the vessel across the Delaware Bay. On our “Captains” page you’ll meet men and women who began as seasonal hires, ordinary seamen or mates, and advanced through certifications, sea service and leadership training to become captains. Whether you’re exploring a maritime career or simply curious about who steers your journey, their stories illustrate how passion, perseverance and professional growth chart the course.
Our captains serve more than a transportation route: they lead a team committed to safe, reliable and welcoming crossings for nearly one million passengers annually. Beyond navigating tides, weather and ship systems, they mentor new crew, shape our culture, and uphold the marine traditions that connect Cape May, NJ and Lewes, DE. Their journeys—starting at food-service jobs, moving into the hawsepiper track, or transferring from military or merchant marine service—prove that the path to command is attainable and full of purpose.
If you’re drawn to the deck, the helm, or the engine room—and want to build a career where every day brings new challenges and views—these are the leaders to inspire you. Start here with our captains, learn how their careers advanced, and discover how you might join the crew that keeps the Delaware Bay moving.
Captain Sharon 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.
Captain Melissa 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.
Captain Megan Palmer
Captain Palmer joined the Cape May–Lewes Ferry team in 2011 as a seasonal crew member and steadily advanced through the ranks. By 2018, she was “sailing up” as a Captain, and in 2020, she officially became a full-fledged permanent Captain — joining Captains Sharon Urban and Melissa Velli as part of the Ferry’s all-female permanent Captain’s wheelhouse, a milestone moment in the Ferry’s history.
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Captain Palmer combines her love of maritime operations with a dedication to community and mentorship. She serves on an advisory board for Cape May County Technical High School, helping to shape the school’s Marine Maintenance program, which gives students hands-on experience and educational pathways toward careers in the maritime industry.
Captain John Burke
In 2018, John brought his world-class credentials home to the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, joining as a Mate. Just two years later, in 2020, he was promoted to Pilot and began sailing in the capacity of Captain, where he now combines his passion for navigation with his appreciation for vessel operations and teamwork on the Delaware Bay.
Outside the wheelhouse, Captain Burke’s love for the outdoors remains strong. Whether surfing, hiking, playing disc golf, or practicing yoga, he finds balance and inspiration in every new horizon — on land and at sea. He also enjoys attending concerts and embracing the same sense of rhythm that guides him through the tides.
Captain Stephen Bowen
After earning a degree in Marine Transportation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Captain Bowen joined the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) in 2016. Over the next five years, he sailed across the globe aboard a variety of ships, supporting naval missions and providing essential logistical operations for bases and fleets worldwide. His experience at MSC not only refined his navigation and leadership skills, but also instilled a deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and precision on the open water.
Returning home, he joined the Cape May–Lewes Ferry as a Mate — bringing international maritime experience to a local crew committed to excellence. After several years of service and hands-on leadership aboard the fleet, he was promoted to Captain, earning both his Unlimited Tonnage Master’s License and First Class Pilotage for the lower Delaware Bay.
