Staffing issues force BC Ferries sailing cancellations between Victoria, Tsawwassen
CTV
Once again, staffing issues have forced BC Ferries to cancel sailings on a major route between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Once again, staffing issues have forced BC Ferries to cancel sailings on a major route between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
The 7 a.m. departure from Swartz Bay and the 9 a.m. departure from Tsawwassen were both called off Wednesday after BC Ferries was "unsuccessful in securing the required number of crew" on the Coastal Inspiration vessel, according to a service notice on the company’s website.
Minimum staffing requirements are in place to ensure safety in the event of an emergency, and are mandatory under Transport Canada regulations.
“The decision to cancel a sailing in these circumstances is made when we have exhausted all options to find replacement crew. That said, if circumstances change and replacement crew become available, we will notify customers immediately,” the BC Ferries service notice reads.
“We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of these cancellations.”
Impacted passengers can find information on the company’s compensation policy online.
BC Ferries also warned the 11 a.m. sailing from Swartzy Bay and the 1 p.m. sailing from Tsawwassen were at risk of cancellation.
