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Post by Starsteward on Apr 12, 2023 12:39:43 GMT -8
I could understand BC Ferries pushing back on this story, but perhaps they wouldn't, given our current spirit of reconciliation. Like a lot of other ferry fans and maritime history buffs, I've got a number of books on the CP and Union operations... apparently none of those authors chose to address how our First Nations people were treated by the companies that controlled getting from point A to B by ferry or steamship. I don't think BC Ferries' history should be tarnished by a sloppily researched report done by some online 'news' service. I am hoping that Starsteward chimes in here. He was working in catering back in the day and would probably know.
BC Ferries gets tons of criticism, some of it justified. This, however, is to my long and fairly thorough knowledge of their history, not justified. I spent several Summer and Fall/Winter seasons on the QPR, mostly on B watch, one Summer with A watch. "A" watch staff could at times be a little rough around the edges, not as refined and polished as B watch. In all my tenure on the QPR I never witnessed or heard of any discriminatory behaviour towards our indigenous people by either A or B watch crews. In times of maritime distress, it has always been First Nations people who have been the able first responders. The good folks of Alert Bay and surrounding area came on the double when the QPR's hull became impaled on Haddington Reef early one August morning. All passengers, adrift in life boats and inflatable rafts were gathered up and taken to the residential school where they were fed, clothed and able to connect via long distance telephone with family/friends south of the 49th. (Cell phones were not prevalent yet). At this time I, along with most of our crew were clueless as to the 'goings-on' within the walls of residential schools, that story would emerge some years later. I have heard stories of discriminatory behaviour taken toward our First Nations folks by some of the old steamship companies' crews but as stated above, finding written evidence of such actions in early books is hard to find. I suppose it was considered 'not good advertising' to write about Our Indigenous folks shone brightly when they came in droves to assist in rescuing passengers and crew from the 'Queen of the North' the fateful night she encountered Gill Island. Once again, it was our Indigenous folks who rose to the occasion, no questions asked. I will always be grateful for their assistance one foggy Summer morning, I 'owe' you one.
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Post by Starsteward on Apr 6, 2023 13:14:56 GMT -8
Does anyone have photos of "Victoria Princess" from Starboard at the Belleville Docks, and of her in Seattle? Thanks in Advance. There is a nice photo of the "Victoria Princess" (Yuk) in the inner harbour in Victoria. Don't recall seeing a shot of her in Seattle.
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Post by Starsteward on Apr 4, 2023 12:05:50 GMT -8
Aren't most of the Managers actually 'just' the Captains? Perhaps BCFS could address that interesting proposition?
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Post by Starsteward on Apr 2, 2023 21:56:34 GMT -8
Oh ok, do you park somewhere else and then walk over there? Just wondering where we would park without breaking any rules. It is just an empty parking lot, I think it should be allowed to park there because it says visitors as well. There is a sign next to the entrance that shows the rules Many moons ago the Queen of Prince Rupert spent considerable time moored in this area of the Deas facility st which time I kept returning to take increasingly saddening photos of the old girl before she went to her new but tragic new life in Fiji.
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Post by Starsteward on Apr 2, 2023 21:48:40 GMT -8
March 31, 2023 BC FERRIES’ PRESIDENT & CEO ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING BC FERRY COMMISSION PRELIMINARY PRICE CAP BC Ferries President and CEO Nicolas Jimenez has released the following statement regarding the British Columbia Ferry Commission’s preliminary decision on the price cap for BC Ferries’ next four-year business plan known as Performance Term 6. “I want to assure our customers, employees and partners that ferry fares will not be going up 9.2 per cent per year for the next four years. What the Commission has signaled today is not a final outcome but rather one step in a much longer process that is ongoing and won’t culminate until September when a final price cap will be set by that independent office. “Key to arriving at that final figure will be factoring in government’s recent $500 million investment that is expected to maintain average rate increases in the three percent range. “With respect to the comments made in the Commissioner’s report about our ambitious capital plan, she’s absolutely right. It is ambitious and needs to be ambitious. We’ve done a lot of work to chart a course that invests billions in new ships, terminal upgrades, improved technology and service enhancements critical to improving the overall customer experience. Those that travel with us deserve a service that keeps pace with growing demand and aging assets. The 12 year plan is in its early stages of development, and it’s entirely natural that a program of this size and complexity will evolve and adjust over time. We look forward to working with the Commissioner and government to make sure both partners understand and support our vision for a world class ferry system. “Ships and terminals don’t operate without our dedicated crew, both onboard and ashore. Our people are the heart of BC Ferries and the investments we are making to ensure they earn a competitive wage and get the training they need to grow careers with us are critical to ensuring we move our passengers and cargo safely. BC Ferries will never compromise on safety – our team ensures we live up to that promise each and every day. “In terms of efficiencies, we agree with the Commissioner that we need to look inside the company. Continuous improvement has always been part of our ethos. I’m pleased to say that there are a number of initiatives already underway and several identified in the next four-year plan. Delivering the services our customers expect in a safe, reliable and affordable manner will remain a focus. “I look forward to continued collaboration with the Commissioner and government – it’s key to achieving a four-year plan that responds to the needs and expectations of coastal residents while keeping fares affordable.” BCF’s Performance Term 6 submission can be found here. - 30 - Media Contact: BC Ferries, Media Relations Victoria: (250) 978-1267 Customer Contact: Victoria: (250) 410-1465 Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779) Note to newsrooms: For urgent media inquiries off-hours, call our off-hours line at (250) 516-7211.Email offers I would love to see the job descriptions along with salaries for the 200+ "managers" BCFS has within the management group. Several members of this forum have questioned why BCFS needs this number of 'managers and their respective salaries. I am pleased to see that a reference was made to "look inside the company". Good grief...what a tantalizing idea from the CEO!
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Post by Starsteward on Apr 2, 2023 21:37:45 GMT -8
Queen of Burnaby at Deas Dock, today
Looks like there's been recent activity onboard since I last saw it a month ago. Railings around the bow in front of the bow doors, and a hole in the bow door itself... If memory serves me correctly, this is the first time I've seen a "doorwway" cut into the bow doors of any decommissioned BC Ferry vessel ever moored at this location within the Deas facility. Hmmm
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 26, 2023 11:46:27 GMT -8
Here is my video of Queen of Cumberland's loading problems with 2 oversize load trucks at Earls Cove, from today. The delay was around 30-45 minutes Oh my, what a gong show. Numerous calls to "hey, stop. hey, stop" with no response. I noted that the clearance heights are marked above each side of the car deck. Congratulations Ollie, on a soon-to-be viral video. You were definitely in the right place at the right time. Great video Ollie! What part of S-T-O-P yelled in English did these drivers not understand?? The inactions of the drivers (almost) border on criminal behaviour!
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 23, 2023 8:12:01 GMT -8
I too sailed on her when she was Queen of Surrey, from Departure Bay to HSB. She looked so grand as she appeared from behind Newcastle Island entering Departure Bay. I did a HS Bay to Departure Bay sailing one Spring day which happened to be quite stormy! We did a fair bit of rock'n rolling to the extent that the section of deck that could be raised ( I think it was near the dining room or part of it) lifted a few inches) Lots of sick bags handed out and used during that crossing. And...no I did not have to partake.
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 19, 2023 10:30:46 GMT -8
Great shot, particularly in terms of perspective. To the poster who was surprised to learn of the Northern Sea Wolf's modest dimensions.... take note that she doesn't even seem massive next to the decaying little Garibaldi II. I noted that too. They are not that much different in size. And this was the vessel BCFS came up with during the "boat" search a few years ago now? The excessive $$ they spent! Whewy!!
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Post by Starsteward on Feb 7, 2023 15:50:56 GMT -8
Time to play the mystery ferry game again ... What am I, and where am I?
Is that the Northern Expedition at Port Hardy?
Ah...no, not unless they've built a drydock at Port Hardy
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Post by Starsteward on Jan 23, 2023 12:26:11 GMT -8
The Queen of Cowichan is operating single ended this morning, turning around in Departure Bay before heading over to Horseshoe Bay. Unfortunately, just another sign of an aging fleet. Maybe we need another 'manager' to 'manage' the aging Queen of Cowichan?
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Post by Starsteward on Aug 26, 2022 11:53:23 GMT -8
And to think she was brand spanking new when I first joined her, fresh off a stint on the Sechelt Queen. Where have all the years gone? Thanks for posting this.
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 28, 2022 9:38:13 GMT -8
New Salish Heron at Sturdies Bay, July 25 2022
The Salish Heron definitely wins the 'Salish-class' artwork design comparison!
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 28, 2022 9:33:12 GMT -8
Truly remarkable upkeep to this beautiful vessel. Blackball should win some sort of recognition for the best-kept vintage passenger/car ferry still operating in North America and maybe even world-wide. And to think the Pandemic almost killed this commercial venture off. Great shots of this beautiful old girl! Now where's the Maggie?
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Post by Starsteward on Jul 18, 2022 8:53:05 GMT -8
Am I the only one who thinks it's looking pretty rusty? We've all seen her looking a bit more snazzy in years gone by. Recall the paint crew!!!
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Post by Starsteward on May 31, 2022 9:44:55 GMT -8
Drone footage of the recent tow of the Burnaby, upbound on the river back to Deas B.C. Ferries can't be happy with the latest 'towing' charges for 2 tugs etc. Meanwhile the 'Nanny' awaits her fate on the other side of the world. What a way for 2 grand BCFS vessels to exit the stage.
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Post by Starsteward on May 27, 2022 10:15:54 GMT -8
I remember when the Coastal Renaissance first arrived and BC Ferries did an open house with her at Canada Place. Is it really 15 years ago? I feel so old! I did the open house in Victoria. Doesn't really seem that long ago. What really makes me feel old is the memory of attending MV Tacoma's open house at the Port of Tacoma in 1997. That vessel is 25 years old now. Yikes! "Tempus Fugit" Applies to everything in the universe.
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Post by Starsteward on May 11, 2022 21:12:19 GMT -8
Anyone else run into this? For about three days, I was getting a warning about the Forum being a dangerous site, and I couldn't see it. Don't think it was my anti-virus, because it happened on two computers with different safeguards. Didn't matter if I was using Chrome or Firefox. We are a roguish group, aren't we? Good to see our reputation is finally garnering some attention In all candor, though, I haven't been getting those warnings, so I wonder who else is experiencing this? Interesting if not a bit troubling postings by 'Neil' and 'Kahloke'. I haven't experienced/received any similar warnings but it behooves all members to always be aware that even a well-moderated site such as ours can become a target for 'unsettling' on-lookers.
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Post by Starsteward on Apr 14, 2022 8:53:56 GMT -8
Gee, The Queen of Oak Bay, Queen of Alberni, The Renny etc. etc all having assorted "issues" these days maybe a quick call to that ferry slowly making its way to Alang, India?
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 20, 2022 14:10:00 GMT -8
youtube.com/c/SoloTravelJapan I just found this channel on YouTube! It’s traveling around on mainly overnight ferries in Japan. It’s pretty neat to see the different ships and routes. If anyone is interested in ferries in Japan you should check out this channel. The Japanese have totally mastered the art of microwave cooking/reheating. They are definitely the Kings of vending machines.
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 19, 2022 16:17:53 GMT -8
Please explain how you got Princess Cruises and Pacific & Orient lines tangled up in your response re: P &O Ferries. Princess cruise was owned by P & O cruises too. I'm 'fessin-up' because a temporary brain power outage in 1974 failed to register the sale of Princess Cruises to the P & O Steam Navigation Company. Yup, you caught me Blue Bus Fan, dang it,
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 19, 2022 14:47:08 GMT -8
Doing some research on this topic but I 'think' Carnival didn't want to get into the ferry boat business and spun the P&O Ferries off to DP World. One is constantly amazed when discovering 'who owns what' around the world. For example: The mighty roar of the MGM Lion is now owned by ..... AMAZON! Good grief Mr. Bezos, how much do you need? I think it’s the other way around but I do think Princess & P & O cruises where independent for year or two. Please explain how you got Princess Cruises and Pacific & Orient lines tangled up in your response re: P &O Ferries.
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 18, 2022 18:09:32 GMT -8
It may be a pipe dream, but if they are serious about turning it into a museum and marine training facility, the sale price - $1! As nice as a museum may be, I think the State of Alaska is really in a long-term crisis mode about fixing/rebuilding their entire system. I'm having a real hard time believing the good folks of Alaska are allowing the disintegration of their ferry system to continue in real time. Blame some of this on the 'Jones Act', so.....
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 18, 2022 14:04:04 GMT -8
DP World, the parent company, owns port facilities in Canada, including the container port in Prince Rupert, and at least one of the container ports in Vancouver. DP World is (apparently) owned by the government of the UAE (middle east).
I always assumed that P&O Ferries was a part of the shipping company P&O, which in turn is owned by Carnival Corp. Does anyone know the corporate history on this file?
Doing some research on this topic but I 'think' Carnival didn't want to get into the ferry boat business and spun the P&O Ferries off to DP World. One is constantly amazed when discovering 'who owns what' around the world. For example: The mighty roar of the MGM Lion is now owned by ..... AMAZON! Good grief Mr. Bezos, how much do you need?
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Post by Starsteward on Mar 3, 2022 15:35:36 GMT -8
She's almost home! What a trip! The 'Salish-class' newbuild project is now complete.
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