In 2018, an exhaustive review found the Steamship Authority needed to make sweeping changes. Five years on, the ferry line has made progress but still has work to do.

Mark Higgins, who starts his new job early next month, is the first to hold the position, which was created at the request of the boat line board of governors following a comprehensive study of SSA operations in 2018.

State legislation won’t be needed for a chief operating officer to join the Steamship Authority. Boat line governors Tuesday agreed to create a job description and begin a search.

Nearly six months after releasing a report recommending changes at the Steamship Authority, the consulting team that performed last year’s comprehensive review of boat line operations is coming back.

Steamship Authority governors on Tuesday approved a pair of change orders totaling more than $483,000 for the ongoing Woods Hole terminal reconstruction by Quincy contractor Jay Cashman Inc. It brings to about $2.2 million the change orders to date.

The boat line is taking steps to create and fill new management positions and add systems for training, safety and quality, senior managers and their independent consultants said.