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Post by Starsteward on Jan 12, 2024 14:38:14 GMT -8
She's been in Vancouver for a bit now, wondering why she hasn't left for her Northern destination? I had a brief mind cramp the other day, thinking that a ship like this "could" be used to house the homeless, but I realize a ship is NOT the optimal design for housing the 'masses'. It’s supposed to get a refit at the Vancouver drydock, but they are still waiting for confirmation of the exact date and time. If BCF could keep their vessels out of our drydocks perhaps the "Isabella' could get her make-over. \
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Post by Starsteward on Jan 12, 2024 13:43:01 GMT -8
The Isabelle Floatel in the Vancouver Harbour, today.
She's been in Vancouver for a bit now, wondering why she hasn't left for her Northern destination? I had a brief mind cramp the other day, thinking that a ship like this "could" be used to house the homeless, but I realize a ship is NOT the optimal design for housing the 'masses'.
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Post by Starsteward on Jan 11, 2024 20:50:13 GMT -8
There's that famous adage about the best predictor of future behavior being what has been past behavior... it can be adapted in this case to point out that these boats have been sitting in the Middle East for twenty plus years, with no one interested in putting them in service. Yes, they're going cheap, but I'm guessing that significant aspects of their operational systems might be obsolete, or even illegal under current regulations. It's also possible that their engines haven't been fired up since they left BC. At the time they were built, they were probably qualitatively current with other vessels of their type. Thirty years on... it could be a very daunting prospect for any prospective buyer to put them into service. They're probably headed for the scrapyard. What a waste of metal, and engineering. I blame this far more on Gordon Campbell than Glen Clark; Campbell was willing to flush millions of dollars down the toilet to make a political point, rather than make the vessels work. Agreed, Campbell could’ve made a political statement by making them function, would’ve destroyed public perception of the NDP even more. But I digress. It is a shame that scrap is most likely the outcome for these three. They’re so unique, I’ve yet to see any other catamaran fast ferry that has dual car decks that are completely RO/RO via dual linkspan. Check out the menu prices in the shot of the cafeteria! Now thems my affordable prices!
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Post by Starsteward on Nov 9, 2023 15:52:53 GMT -8
Queen of Cowichan is now high and dry after good couple hours. A good couple hours of what?
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Post by Starsteward on Nov 7, 2023 10:28:29 GMT -8
The Head Honchos at BCFS should contact the buyers of these 'green boats' immediately! VOILA!, Instantaneously an expanded fleet! Vehicle capacity might be a bit tight though.
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Post by Starsteward on Nov 6, 2023 10:45:28 GMT -8
Full house this afternoon at Deas Dock. From Left to Right is the Queen of Burnaby, Bowen Queen, Mayne Queen, Northern Adventure, Queen of Cowichan, Tachek and Salish Orca. BC Ferries@Deas Dock 05Nov23 by Brandon Siska, on Flickr Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe this is the best and perhaps only photo showing a 'full house' at Deas! SUPER PIC Brandon!
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 27, 2023 11:36:22 GMT -8
Nanaimo Historical Society has monthly meetings where a guest speaker presents on a topic that is relevant to Nanaimo's history. Their upcoming November 9th meeting (Bowen Park meeting room, 7pm) features a talk on passenger ships and ferries serving Nanaimo in the era up to 1961. Some old guy will be mumbling about E&N Steamships, Canadian Pacific Navigation, CP'S BC Coast Steamship Service, and Black Ball Ferries. Here's the talk synopsis: The talk presenter fashioned a Princess of Nanaimo 1958 photo from the Steven J. Pickens collection (sounds like a great name for an author of history and mystery books) and used that photo as the cover poster for the upcoming talk. Do you think that some of the script colours for the cover poster were deliberately chosen to match the "CP Buff" of the ship's funnel? hmmmm. NHS Nov 9 2023 title photo NEW by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr Another 'old guy' will be in attendance, Mike.
Would love to be there but the 9th is a family birthday event. The 'Chinook', come 'Sechelt Queen' was the very first BC Ferry I set foot on, many moons ago. The unfortunate grounding of the 'Queen of Prince Rupert' led me to a relatively brief stint on the 'Princess of Vancouver'. How the shipping/passenger world has changed over time, and I'm not totally sure, if all is for the better. The 'better' is subjective and does create much discussion. Good Luck with the event Mike and enjoy the audience.
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 19, 2023 15:16:01 GMT -8
They could, but the reasons listed by SS San Mateo and Neil in the posts above point to that solution being a long shot. WSF has bigger issues on its plate right now, and I have to think restoring service to Sidney is dead last on its priority list, even if they have stated they are committed to restoring the route. Hiring new people has to be the number one priority; these sailing cancellations are just killing any semblance of reliability. I would expect route restoration to be the next priority, starting with Seattle-Bremerton and then Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. After that, building new vessels is next on the list which we know keeps getting pushed out. They're supposed to choose a builder next year. Maybe the State of Washington is trying to get British Columbia Provincial Government to help fund the restoration of Anacortes to Sidney, BC. You are obviously not a "professional' politician.
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 19, 2023 8:45:42 GMT -8
The legislature included a requirement in WSDOT's funding bill last year for WSF to look at options to restore Sidney service. The report is due by the end of this year, so we'll see what options exist. Presuming WSF could locate a vessel to buy or lease, it would be up to the legislature to appropriate the needed money, as well as make the call on the tradeoff of using limited crew for international service vs. maintaining domestic service. Maybe a contractor could be put temporarily in charge of route while Washington State Ferries get back pre-COVID service. Huh? What are you on about here?
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 15, 2023 14:15:33 GMT -8
This also from Facebook by a passenger who was onboard ...
-------------------------------- Edit: I did not recognize the name of that FB poster, but it turns out that she is an NDP MLA representing a Victoria area riding. Nevertheless I find her post to be refreshing ...
Thanks for the original post, the subject matter being of "extreme importance"! The MLA in question, Lana Popham, just happens to be the current Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in the current administration. I saw the original posting and was going to respond but 'life' got in the way so I am really glad you picked up the ball. (was going to say 'torch' but thought twice about it). ....for obvious reasons. Sounds like the perfect response from passengers and crew! Fire at sea is the #1 fear of mariners of ALL ilks. There are times I wish I were a judge. I don't know if the 'souvenir-hunters' are still attempting or stealing Life Rings from their various outdoor locations around the ships these days but the 'Northern run' used to be a favourite hunting ground for such items. The old adage still holds true: "If you see something, say something", lives may be at risk.
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 15, 2023 13:45:46 GMT -8
Oceania Cruise Line is owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines and is their “mid market” product. Regency is their very top end line. There were 7 identical vessels constructed, known as R1-R7. Perhaps it was the naming that put them quickly into bankruptcy! Oceania and Azamara now have them all. Not a successful series of vessels. NCL should have known better than to expand that quickly.
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 11, 2023 12:44:50 GMT -8
... I agree with the sentiments expressed, but if there isn't any confusion from customers, this blurring of the lines between the public and the mariners is probably just going to have to be swallowed. I wonder if Transport Canada is okay with that? Hate to "sorta speculate", but I wonder if there is even a 'section' on the books that even addresses this issue?
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 11, 2023 12:41:18 GMT -8
Regatta ( Oceania Cruises) @ Canada Place, Vancouver. I gather that Oceania Cruises is a 'boutique' small ship cruise line ... Sounds like maybe a better but more expensive option when compared to the big players in the cruise business.
Thanksgiving Monday, 9 October 2023
Good sized cruise ship that enjoys a pretty good reputation. I have NO interest in cruising with 6000 other souls, or partaking in go cart races, water slides, etc. "Go small, then go home
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 10, 2023 21:27:03 GMT -8
Jim, I'm totally 'old school' with you with regard to the crew, mostly importantly 'bridge' crew wearing t-shirts!! Good grief, 'Hullo' is totally brainless in projecting that kind of image! Secondly, what's up with not allowing battery powered wheel chairs on board, totally ignorant in not doing their homework on that issue. I think there's something missing, (like marine experience at least), and make the necessary changes before this enterprise goes the way of the many players we've seen come and fail in this local market. Note to the folks at "Hullo", please see 1st line of this message I am giving Hullo the benefit of the doubt and that they will fix things like the electric mobility scooter issue. That is somewhat of an embarrassment for them, I think. As for the T-shirt thing, I did not actually see the bridge crew people so I can't say for certain they too were wearing T-shirts. I hope they opt for a more (in my opinion) professional look. The chap in the Hullo commercial who is ensconcing himself in the pilot chair is definitely wearing a red T-shirt with Hullo printed on the front. There's a difference between 'professional' and 'casual' .
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 10, 2023 15:40:05 GMT -8
My report after my weekend round trip to Vancouver follows. I was with my wife going for a big family Thanksgiving dinner in North Van.
Disclaimer: - I like ferries that you can walk around on, that actually assist me in getting to my 10,000 foot steps per day. - I like ferries with stairways to where you can get a little extra exercise going up/down. - I like ferries with outside decks.
- I love ferries for use as a photography platform both for shooting other ferries, the passing scenery, birds & wildlife, and the the ferry that you are actually on. - I appreciate ferries with food service, especially reasonably good food.
IMHO, you get all of the above when riding BC Ferries. Not so much with Hullo ...
Notes I took yesterday, both positive & negative:
- Uniforms - who’s who is important. On Hullo the crew is dressed in T-shirts, often covered with something else, such as the rain wear worn yesterday, or sweaters worn over the T-shirts. To me it should be clear who is crew and who is not. Call me old school. - Clarity of announcements could be a lot better. This includes the safety spiel at the start of the trip. I am hearing impaired. What I heard was pretty much unintelligible. My wife's hearing is reasonably good and she says that she could not understand the announcements either. - Punctuality seems good. Voyage time is 75 minutes. Gets you downtown into Vancouver quickly. - Food/beverage service seems pretty much non-existent. Snacks & bubbly drinks upstairs (for the two higher classes) but nothing at all downstairs, inc nothing for purchase. No coffee or tea. Was told that they are working to change that.
- Save your money - 'Comfort Class' seems fine & the view is better. There is a forward facing view which there is not upstairs. We had seats 2L & 2M on the return trip which were auto assigned & are good for taking in what view there is. I have to check if you can select seating downstairs (no doubt for an extra fee). Also, there is a 'Senior's Fare', but only for comfort class. - Online booking needs work. At present it’s only marginally better than useless. - Marshalling areas both sides are outdoors (some cover in Vancouver). In poor weather conditions should be indoors or at least under cover. - Unlike conventional ferry you are pretty much confined to your seat. - There are locations for wheelchairs but no evident means of securing them. Looks like only two spots (maybe four if narrow chairs). There is no access to upper deck for people in wheelchairs. - Looks to me like opportunities for passenger experience enhancement (& revenue generation) going un-fulfilled (food sales, perhaps movies, etc) - A number of seats that face each other across a table - good for conversations, cards, laptop use etc.
- Crew super friendly! - Free parking on the Nanaimo side. Don't know about parking on the Vancouver side. I suspect it to be much more limited and not free. Free parking at Nanaimo is "until further notice". After that I hope rates will be no more expensive then at Departure Bay. - Transit system connections - Fair to excellent on the Vancouver side, poor on the Nanaimo side. We found the walk to from Waterfront (Skytrain, Seabus) station to be relatively short, and interesting. - Lengthy walk in Nanaimo from where you park to the terminal building and then to the boat. For me I appreciate the exercise opportunity but some may find it to be a bit of a negative, especially in lousy weather like it was yesterday. - Pretty much smooth sailing for us both coming and going. Seas in mid-strait were not flat calm and might have been a little rough for an open canoe. I'm fairly sure that really rough seas will yield a really rough ride, and cancellations ... - Luggage (thanks, Paul) - There is limited luggage storage available on the lower (main) deck. You are encouraged to only bring 'carry-on' type luggage, but I did see a few people with large luggage such as if coming or going from the airport or a cruise. Hullo needs to do some more work on this file. - Electrical outlets as well as USB A & C charging ports are everywhere (every seat, I am pretty sure). This is good.
Will I ride Hullo again? Yes, under some conditions where it makes sense. But it should be clear that my preference is for conventional ferries such as the ones BCF operates.
You are all welcome to ask questions about my report and challenge, if you wish, what I have written.
See attached photos, one of the view out the front in poor weather while passing under the LG Bridge, the other of the wheelchair spots.
Jim, I'm totally 'old school' with you with regard to the crew, mostly importantly 'bridge' crew wearing t-shirts!! Good grief, 'Hullo' is totally brainless in projecting that kind of image! Secondly, what's up with not allowing battery powered wheel chairs on board, totally ignorant in not doing their homework on that issue. I think there's something missing, (like marine experience at least), and make the necessary changes before this enterprise goes the way of the many players we've seen come and fail in this local market. Note to the folks at "Hullo", please see 1st line of this message
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 9, 2023 14:28:27 GMT -8
Looks like Hullo has been running both vessels simultaneously this past weekend, including today. I haven't read the schedule close enough to know when two boats are running. Nice to see in any case. Everyone that I've spoken to who have used it have said the sailings have been full or near full when they've gone.0 Hullo added two additional sailing on Friday and Monday while both vessels need to be used. I wonder what Hullo next move will be increase service or new route between Downtown Vancouver and Downtown Victoria. I wonder if they will compete with Victoria Clipper on Downtown Victoria to Downtown Seattle. And they are obtaining another 'Boat' from??
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 5, 2023 9:46:50 GMT -8
Hey, another 'ferry forum' where ferries on the North American west coast hardly rate a mention ...
Maybe forward this site to the appropriate folks at BCFS seeing as we seem to be in the market for another vessel?
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 5, 2023 9:44:27 GMT -8
Several slightly different rumours circulating in local maritime circles is that BC Ferries is looking at feasibility of leasing, chartering or purchasing a used but near new major vessel to provide resiliency until new builds are in service. It seems that when the Holiday Isle, servicing PEI and NS was lost due to an engine room fire there were several vessels readily available. Maybe….. Will it be replacing any ferries? I don't believe BCFS is looking to 'replace' any existing vessels currently in the fleet. I've been wondering for a while now why we haven't heard of this approach to, 'band-aid' the fleet as the 'break-down' factor within the current fleet has become quite problematic. That said, can we somehow ensure that BCFS 'goes shopping' with someone who has a 'clue' about the needs of the fleet, because we don't need another 'Northern Seawolf' showing up on our shores basically needing an expensive refurbishment.
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 5, 2023 8:59:31 GMT -8
Welcome to the Forum! It is always great to hear of someone's personal ties to our coastal shipping community. I have never used the Vancouver Maritime Museum for research, but am dismayed at your report that you found nothing on Northland Navigation, that is very sad. Shame on them! Starsteward, this new member, 'Kenneth', has actually just reposted what another member posted ten years ago, without adding anything of his own. Maybe he inadvertently left his comments out. Thanks for that Neil
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 5, 2023 8:51:42 GMT -8
My father, Carl Banta, worked for Northland for about 15-16 years from the late forties to the mid sixties. He worked his way up from deckhand to captain. Ended his time with them as master of Tahsis Prince. When I was a child, I accompanied him on annual summer cruises on whatever run he was working. I remember sailing on the old Island Prince, the Pacific Prince and the Haida Prince as well as the Tahsis. He died in 1986. I'm wondering if there is anybody out there who might remember him. I will try to find some old photos and get them up on this thread. This is the ONLY forum I could find when I googled Northland Navigation. The Vancouver Maritime Museum has NOTHING. Welcome to the Forum! It is always great to hear of someone's personal ties to our coastal shipping community. I have never used the Vancouver Maritime Museum for research, but am dismayed at your report that you found nothing on Northland Navigation, that is very sad. Shame on them!
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Post by Starsteward on Sept 29, 2023 10:08:45 GMT -8
As the Scolar said: "It's not often I'm right, but I'm wrong again (: Well, rather than go 2 for 2, I'll go one for for two, regarding the Queen of Prince Rupert. She never had her bow doors welded, however I did not have a close look when I attended her departure ceremony for her Fiji trip. They may have done it then but I'll hang onto my assertion that she was was never welded during her service up North.
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Post by Starsteward on Sept 28, 2023 14:56:56 GMT -8
Simple answer: No The Estonia sinking had no influence on operations at BCFS. I thought at least one of those vessels had their bow doors welded shut after that incident? There was no reason to weld the bow doors welded shut on the Queen of the North I never rode on her before her fatal accident. I rode the QPR on her last week of service and attended her departure for "Gundar-land" and her bow doors were not welded.
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Post by Starsteward on Sept 28, 2023 9:34:42 GMT -8
This doesn't apply to anything I'm planning on doing, but I'm curious... I take it that the NorAd only loads from the stern. If you're clueless about backing a car/trailer combo any distance, can you get someone to do it for you when they load? And... I assume this wouldn't be an issue on the NorEx, which I think loads bow and stern? Didn’t the Queen of Prince Rupert and Queen of the North do loading and unloading through the stern for a couple months after MV Estonia sinking? Simple answer: No The Estonia sinking had no influence on operations at BCFS.
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Post by Starsteward on Sept 26, 2023 10:00:52 GMT -8
This doesn't apply to anything I'm planning on doing, but I'm curious... I take it that the NorAd only loads from the stern. If you're clueless about backing a car/trailer combo any distance, can you get someone to do it for you when they load? And... I assume this wouldn't be an issue on the NorEx, which I think loads bow and stern? Neil, not sure about having a BCFS staffer load a vehicle/trailer due to liability issues, but maybe one could recruit someone from the passenger pool. Maybe I'm wrong about a BCFS staffer but one could ask around, (maybe put that issue out when booking passage). Yes, the NorEx loads like the QPR so no problems there. Thanks for raising an old 'itch' about who the heck went on the NorAd buying adventure?
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Post by Starsteward on Sept 22, 2023 14:01:21 GMT -8
If I parked a derelict car outside my building here in White Rock, it would probably be ordered removed within a week. I know we challenged the owner of a van that had been here for two days. But these hideous wrecks imperil our rivers for decades. Why do we have so little respect for our environment? The ' Sidney should have gone to the wreckers after BC Ferries retired her. At the very least, it's good to see that the Queen of Burnaby is still hugging the wall at Deas... evidence that our public ferry company is not going to let the bones of her go to someone who isn't going to dispose of her properly. Neil, I totally agree with your statement regarding how quickly a derelict vehicle would be removed from your street. I have no idea which or how many federal, provincial and local government departments are responsible for ensuring environmental problems are not running rampant in our local waterways. I give you but one example of who is involved in managing such issues in beautiful False Creek, in the core of downtown Vancouver. There are 5 agencies representing Federal, Provincial and City governments. Yup, 5 chefs in this environmental 'kitchen'! One of these agencies is the Vancouver Park Board, who should stick to maintaining beautiful park lands, as they are not equipped to handle derelict vessels. Their staff are not trained in the detection and remediation or removal of vessels deemed to be of a public nuisance or danger. These functions should be the mandated function of the Canadian Coast Guard, and them alone! Five departments, each representing a Federal, Provincial or City government department, interest carries the improbable odds of winning a lottery. ( I admit, I do buy lotto tickets.....just bein' honest).
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