Anticipating staff shortages in the months ahead, B.C. Ferries has extended until June 22 schedule changes to three of its routes in order to maintain reliable service.
The Departure Bay (Nanaimo)-Horseshoe Bay, Horseshoe Bay-Langdale, and Earl’s Cove-Saltery Bay routes are affected.
The changes were initially implemented in late January as B.C. Ferries faced staff shortages due to a combination of the pandemic, the regular cold and flu season, severe winter storms, vaccination policies that meant fewer crew were available and a global shortage of professional mariners, which made it hard to hire replacement staff.
B.C. Ferries noted regulations require that some positions be filled with appropriate crew, or the vessel cannot sail.
Travellers with bookings affected by the changes will have their reservations moved to the next available sailing. Those who would like to change or rebook should contact B.C. Ferries at 1-888-223-3779 at extension zero.
“We apologize for any inconvenience these service revisions may cause you and appreciate your ongoing patience,” B.C. Ferries said in a statement. “Our goal is to inform our customers as early as possible of any changes to our scheduled sailings.”
For updated schedules, go to the B.C. Ferries website.
