6319 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

Oh yes I see some crackers there.

[Matt R.]

There sure were packets of crackers, or Melba toast?

[Matt R.]

Honestly, ferries could charge more for its food.

The little stand in Berth 5 in Tsawassen sure charges a lot.

[Matt R.]

I’ve not read the entire document yet, and won’t do more than skim it, the highlights for salt spring are:

A two-ferry service for the Vesuvius-Crofton route (#6), with estimated implementation fall 2026,

The addition of two round-trips per day, seven days a week, in the summer (June-Labour Day) on the Fulford route (# 4), beginning in 2023, and a summer two ferry service for the Fulford-Swartz Bay route, with expected implementation approximately 2027.

No mention of how they plan to staff these. This week has seen about a dozen cancellations between Crofton and Vesuvius.

They run the extra Fulford sailings on Saturday in the summer, but they are rarely on time that day, it’s just not enough time to cross and unload. If they do ever get a two boat system, it’ll change my business instantly.

[vortoozo]

No mention of how they plan to staff these. 

 

Chances are the crews for the extra boats would be based on Vancouver Island rather than Salt Spring.

They wouldn't base two boats on each route on Salt Spring.

I imagine the staffing shortages aren't as acute off of Salt Spring. And, one would think, be resolved by 2026/27.

[max.bravo]

I’m hearing BC ferries has hired a consultant to review and overhaul the company’s wages. Apparently initiated by the new CEO in a bid to solve staffing problems.

[Mike K.]

It seems like a dream job. Are the wages really that low?

[Matt R.]

Chances are the crews for the extra boats would be based on Vancouver Island rather than Salt Spring.
They wouldn't base two boats on each route on Salt Spring.
I imagine the staffing shortages aren't as acute off of Salt Spring. And, one would think, be resolved by 2026/27.

Yes amplified here for sure but everyone I speak with says the staffing issues are system wide.

[Matt R.]

It seems like a dream job. Are the wages really that low?

They are average at best. If they did away with forcing people to be on call for so long they would have more luck I think. I also hear they don’t pay for required training or tickets.

[Mike K.]

1PM sailing to Tsawwassen aboard SoBC had a mechanical issue in Active Pass, resulting in the anchor dropping. The vessel is now in Georgia Strait headed for Tsawwassen. The 3PM sailing from Tsawwassen was cancelled, and the 5PM back is now cancelled as well.

[Nparker]

With wind related cancelations to follow.

[Victoria Watcher]

1PM sailing to Tsawwassen aboard SoBC had a mechanical issue in Active Pass, resulting in the anchor dropping. The vessel is now in Georgia Strait headed for Tsawwassen. The 3PM sailing from Tsawwassen was cancelled, and the 5PM back is now cancelled as well.

Pay no attention. Here are some free refreshments.



Passengers were ushered away from the front of the ship, he said, and were offered free refreshment.

https://www.timescol...eleases-6193772

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 December 2022 - 07:13 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

I know in the old ferries they had a manual anchor stay device, with a worm screw, as a secondary hold on the anchor chains.

Sometimes in bad weather, a crew member would arrive and release that while going through active pass. But it was the secondary system. It still needed a further release to let the anchor go.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 December 2022 - 07:18 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

The union representing B.C. Ferries workers has filed a grievance against a rule that workers be clean-shaven, saying it’s affecting members of the Sikh faith.

 

The requirement is related to the need to provide a facial seal for masks and respirators in the event a fire breaks out.

 

 

https://www.timescol...workers-6204770

[Victoria Watcher]

Ferry worker union calls for contract to be reopened to hike wages

The union argues that if wages aren’t increased, more ferry workers will leave, putting an extra burden on those left behind

 

https://www.timescol...e-wages-6204768

[Nparker]

Why is BC Ferries head office in downtown Victoria. We don't even have a ferry here or at least not one operated by BC Ferries. Move them to Sidney or Nainimo.

Maybe the BC Ferries headquarters should be floating somewhere in Georgia Strait.

[Victoria Watcher]

B.C. Ferries is seeking permission to begin preparations at terminals so hybrid vessels on the Gabriola Island and Quadra Island routes can charge their batteries on-shore.

 

Next month, two diesel-electric Island-class ferries are set to start service between Campbell River and Quadra Island, while another two began operating on the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola route in August.

 

 

https://www.timescol...vessels-6272475

[Victoria Watcher]

 

https://www.bcferrie...s/8798878379811

[Victoria Watcher]

[Nparker]

Is there normally an 11:30 sailing out of Swartz Bay?

Also "cxld". That saved someone 5 whole keystrokes.