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Post by jjr on Apr 7, 2007 9:07:15 GMT -8
Sorry but I don't know the nature of the operational delays - I just traded email with my co-worker (I'm his boss and wanted to make sure that he got back to Rupert - he was only on the ferry because all the floatplanes were cancelled because of the weather). He arrived at half past midnight for a 2:30 AM sailing and it didn't leave until 7:30 AM - all the delays on the BCF website were described as operational and not weather - so I would assume that the trip wasn't bad because of the weather - I recall the captain who sailed the NorAd up the west coast describing her as very steady in bad weather. I would think that the delays are other than problems backing trailers onto the ferry - surely that can't account for a 5 hour delay - or for the fact that she is still in Prince Rupert now about 22 hours late ...
When I find out more about the trip next week I'll post an update.
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Post by Coastal Canuck on Apr 7, 2007 11:42:02 GMT -8
well as it turns out the problem is the public address system so they can't do the important safety announcement that absolutely know one cares about!
Prince Rupert - Bella Bella - Port Hardy (Sailing Delay-Update) Posted April 07, 2007 Sailing Delay - Operational
Updated at 12:27 pm
Please be advised that the MV Northern Adventure expected to sail from Prince Rupert to Bella Bella and Port Hardy is experiencing technical issues with the Public Address System. The sailing remains delayed at this time.
The next update will be provided at 4:00 pm.
For updated information, you can also call toll free 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).
We would like to apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this delay.
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 7, 2007 11:45:12 GMT -8
I can see a float plane trip back to Prince Rupert coming up in my near future. JST in QCI Jim: do you have any idea what the "operational delay" is all about? Are we talking a few hours, or days, or weeks that NorAd might be out of service? Any guesses? Thanks for your "on the scene" reporting. Are you enjoying the QCI? Where are you doing hiking and stuff? (Naikoon ?) I assume that when BCFS says "operational delay" they mean mechanical difficulties. There was nothing apparent to me on Thursday night. The NorAd left Pr. Rupert ~2.5 hours behind schedule. The weather was the reason given to us for the delay. It was rough in Hecate Strait. Maybe 25% of passengers lost their suppers and there were no sick bags available anywhere. My son says he really liked the mirrored ceilings - you could look up or down and still see the puke on the new carpets. BCFS's has not updated their service notice re this situation since 11:30 last night - 13 hours ago. Yes, we are doing a bit of hiking and beach combing and wandering around. The weather is currently nice - sunny and temperature in the teens - spring maybe is finally here?
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 7, 2007 16:42:19 GMT -8
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Post by Low Light Mike on Apr 7, 2007 17:26:21 GMT -8
Wet Coast Kid: Hopefully there is a "BC Ferries Operational-Issue" absentee clause in your collective-agreement with your employer. . Maybe the missed sailing can be considered a force-majeure. Enjoy your extended vacation......
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 7, 2007 17:34:03 GMT -8
I will have to tell them that I did not make it on account of a malfunctioning PA system
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Post by Low Light Mike on Apr 7, 2007 19:12:25 GMT -8
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Apr 7, 2007 20:03:51 GMT -8
The Queen of the North's Spirit is giving the Nor Ad problems. She is coming after the Nor Ad, I knew it, lol!
Looks like the Nimpkish is being delayed to in order to meet up with the Nor Ad
Sailing Delay - Operational Posted April 07, 2007 Shearwater - McLoughlin Bay - Ocean Falls - Bella Coola
Updated 8:19 pm
Please be advised the sailing of the Nimpkish has been delayed approximately 26 hours to ensure it meets with the northbound Northern Adventure, previously delayed due to operational issues.
The revised schedule is as follows.
Depart Shearwater Monday Apr 9th 1:30 am Arrive McLoughlin Bay Monday Apr 9th 2:00 am Depart McLoughlin Bay Monday Apr 9th 4:30 am Arrive Shearwater Monday Apr 9th 5:00 am
Depart Shearwater Monday Apr 9th 5:30 am Arrive Ocean Falls Monday, Apr 9 th 8:30 am Depart Ocean Falls Monday, Apr 9 th 9:00 am Arrive Bella Coola Monday, Apr 9 th 3:00 pm
For updated information, you can also call toll free 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).
We would like to apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 7, 2007 22:26:55 GMT -8
Here are 2 excerpts from the story: Really quite remarkable that quote from Kevin Falcon. The analogy should go something more like going from a Mercedes [ QotN] to an Edsel [ NorAd] When I was on my way over here and the ship was pounding down pretty hard on the Hecate Strait swells I left the pukey atmosphere of the forward lounge to retire to the quiet of the aft end of the cafeteria. While there I heard a crash and looked up to see a cart (used for gathering up used trays, plates, etc.) on the loose, moving around at will with the ship's movement. I retrieved it and brought the situation to the attention of a crew member. Later, I noticed the cart secured in an alcove by placing a portable fire extinguisher laying on its side against the cart. I wonder??? Fire extinguishers are, I believe, supposed to be kept upright. A training issue?? I also noticed stuff falling off shelves and onto the floor in the gift shop. Things on this vessel are not well secured as one might expect to see on a ship that is to become the main QCI boat. To be fair though one has to expect some 'teething issues'.
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Apr 10, 2007 9:34:20 GMT -8
It's is April 10th meaning the MV Mill Bay should be in Nanaimo right now for her refit. Get out and get some photos Nanaimo guys! lol!!
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Post by Hardy on Apr 10, 2007 14:36:15 GMT -8
While there I heard a crash and looked up to see a cart (used for gathering up used trays, plates, etc.) on the loose, moving around at will with the ship's movement. I retrieved it and brought the situation to the attention of a crew member. Later, I noticed the cart secured in an alcove by placing a portable fire extinguisher laying on its side against the cart. I wonder??? Fire extinguishers are, I believe, supposed to be kept upright. A training issue?? I also noticed stuff falling off shelves and onto the floor in the gift shop. Things on this vessel are not well secured as one might expect to see on a ship that is to become the main QCI boat. To be fair though one has to expect some 'teething issues'. Quite literally a "shake down" cruise. As you stated, teething issues. I would imagine that most of these issues will be dealt with in a timely fashion; it is hard to simulate the rough conditions to find all the loose things until you are underway. The fire-ex issue is a little concerning however. Definately a training issue there. I would think that someone might have considered asking a snipe for some rope or a chock or something .... I would also guess that after the housekeeping issue with the protein spills, that there will soon be a plentiful supply of barf-bags. Hopefully not a trip to be repeated....
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Post by Hardy on Apr 11, 2007 4:50:22 GMT -8
More trouble for the infamous RADs..... MV Quinsam: Sailing Delays, April 10-14 Gabriola Island - Nanaimo Harbour Beginning today until Saturday, April 14th, customers are advised that delays will occur during peak travel periods between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo Harbour. The vessel should be able to make up some time when traffic loads are lighter. The MV Quinsam is currently operating on three Right Angle Drives (RADs) causing the vessel to operate at a slower speed. During this time, the vessel continues to operate safely. It is expected that the MV Quinsam will be operating as per the schedule by Saturday morning, April 14, 2007. BC Ferries apologizes to our customers for any inconvenience experienced as a result of these delays. link to the above: www.bcferries.com/schedules/notices/notice04100702.html
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Post by Hardy on Apr 11, 2007 6:20:53 GMT -8
Trouble for the Queen of Coquitlam it seems .... could make for a VERY long day Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay .... expect overloads on Routes 1 and 30 if this problem continues..... Sailing Cancellation - Operational Posted April 11, 2007 Updated at 6:15 am Please be advised that the first sailing from Horseshoe Bay at 6:30 am and the 8:30 am from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) has been cancelled due to an operational issue. We would like to apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result. An update will be provided before 10 am today. link to above notice: www.bcferries.com/schedules/notices/notice04110701.html
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Post by Ferryman on Apr 11, 2007 7:46:17 GMT -8
Route 30
Sailing Delay - Marine Assistance Posted April 11, 2007
Updated at 7:50 am
Please be advised the Queen of New Westminster is approximately 40 minutes behind schedule.
The vessel left Tsawwassen on time at 5:15 am, but observed a semi-submerged boat while en route to Duke Point, and attended the scene until Coast Guard arrived.
Although the Queen of New Westminster is expected to make up some time, it is not anticipated that we will be back on schedule until the 3:15 pm from Tsawwassen.
BC Ferries thanks our customers for their patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmm, more problems with the Coquitlam.....There sure has been alot of "operational" problems throughout the fleet lately. Oh well, at least this isn't happening on weekends.
Route 2 - Queen of Coquitlam
Sailing Cancellation - Operational Posted April 11, 2007
Updated at 6:15 am
Please be advised that the first sailing from Horseshoe Bay at 6:30 am and the 8:30 am from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) has been cancelled due to an operational issue.
We would like to apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result.
An update will be provided before 10 am today.
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Apr 11, 2007 10:07:28 GMT -8
Whoa, according to the CC the Queen of Vancouver is sailing at 12:30pm from Departure Bay to HSB. And they said in their service notice the 1230pm sailing was cancelled, lol!
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Post by Mike C on Apr 11, 2007 14:49:27 GMT -8
Well well. Guess who made it onto the vessel watch, Karl.
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Post by Mike C on Apr 11, 2007 15:15:30 GMT -8
wait a second... this is Miss Vancouver's voyage South to Tsawwassen
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Post by Low Light Mike on Apr 18, 2007 20:09:50 GMT -8
re Norad schedule revisement: ------------------------- Southbound Depart Prince Rupert Wednesday April 18, 2007 12:30 midnight Arrive Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) 10:00 am Depart Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) 10:30 am Arrive Port Hardy 3:30 pm -------------------------------------
According to my poor math, that's a 15 hour total journey, but that includes a 30-minute stopover in BellaBella...so it's only 14.5 hours of actual travel for Norad.
Queen of the North's regular summer inside passage time (without Bella Bella stop) was 15 hours.
So does this mean that Norad is a bit faster....especially considering that this is a night crossing?
Or does it just mean that this revised schedule isn't too accurate?
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 18, 2007 21:04:50 GMT -8
The NorAd is scheduled to do the summer Inside Passage service in 15 hours this year. The journey will last one additional hour on days when she calls in at McLouglin Bay.
I gather she has the speed to do the route in fourteen or fourteen and one-half hours, but to do so much additional fuel is consumed. I understand that the QotN was also capable of doing the same.
I believe that both vessels have about the same speed. Which one has the fastest 'service' speed and speed 'flat out' I do not know. Perhaps someone on this board does know.
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Apr 19, 2007 14:41:44 GMT -8
I notice on the Queen Charlotte sailing I am booked on June 3rd from Prince Rupert to Skidegate departing at 9pm and arriving at 6am. That is a total of 9 hours. Do the overnight trips to the Charlottes operate at a slower speed??? Would make sense. Seeing the other sailings are sometimes between 6 and 8 hours.
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Post by WettCoast on Apr 19, 2007 18:30:05 GMT -8
I notice on the Queen Charlotte sailing I am booked on June 3rd from Prince Rupert to Skidegate departing at 9pm and arriving at 6am. That is a total of 9 hours. Do the overnight trips to the Charlottes operate at a slower speed??? Would make sense. Seeing the other sailings are sometimes between 6 and 8 hours. You will be on the QPR. She is capable of doing the run in six hours, maybe less, when pushed. I think on overnight trips they have no real reason to push the old girl too much.
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Post by Ferryman on Apr 20, 2007 17:25:09 GMT -8
Howe Sound Queen Refit: April 27th Posted April 20, 2007 Crofton - VesuviusFollowing completion of service on Friday, April 27th, the Howe Sound Queen will be removed from service to undergo annual refit. This work is expected to last until approximately mid-June 2007 and will involve the following necessary work to ensure the vessel’s continued safe operation: · Safety inspections and regulatory upgrades · Maintenance of paint and coatings · Service to propellers, steering gear, main engines and electrical components · Improvements to fire fighting system · Installation of CO2 fire extinguishing system · Extension of one passenger stairway · Installation of passenger washroom on the car deck During this time, BC Ferries is pleased to supply the Bowen Queen as the replacement vessel for sailings between Crofton and Vesuvius. Commercial customers are advised that vehicles over 10 tonnes GVW (10,000 kg) are restricted to centre lane loading only on the Bowen Queen. As a result, available commercial vehicle capacity will be reduced while the Bowen Queen is in service. All sailings will remain as scheduled between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo Harbour. BC Ferries looks forward to returning the Howe Sound Queen back to service following this annual refit. *************************************************** MV Quinsam: April 25th-27th Posted April 20, 2007 Gabriola Island - Nanaimo HarbourOn Wednesday, April 25th, the MV Quinsam will be removed from service to undergo scheduled survey work in preparation for the vessel’s refit in 2008. The vessel will return to service on the afternoon of Friday, April 27th. During this time, BC Ferries is pleased to supply the Bowen Queen as the replacement vessel for sailings between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo Harbour. Commercial customers are advised that vehicles over 10 tonnes GVW (10,000 kg) are restricted to centre lane loading only on the Bowen Queen. As a result, available commercial vehicle capacity will be reduced while the Bowen Queen is in service. All sailings will remain as scheduled between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo Harbour. BC Ferries looks forward to returning the MV Quinsam back to service on April 27th **************************************************** Queen of Capilano: Crew Training Dates Posted April 19, 2007The Queen of Capilano’s extensive engineering refit, involving the installation of a new propulsion system with Canadian Maritime Engineering in Esquimalt, is almost complete. Please note that before returning to regular passenger service the Queen of Capilano will be operating from the Langdale Terminal from April 20th to April 24th for a period of crew training on the new and upgraded systems. This training will include familiarization with revised operating procedures, ship-handling and maneuvering trials, and docking practice at Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove Terminals. Upon successful completion of the training program the Queen of Capilano will return to service on April 25th. Until that time normally scheduled service to Bowen Island will be maintained by the Bowen QueenBC Ferries looks forward to returning the Queen of Capilano back to service following completion of this refit.
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Post by hergfest on Apr 23, 2007 11:49:22 GMT -8
Campbell River/Quarta Island route is out of service due to a fire: www.bcferries.com/schedules/notices/notice04230702.htmlPlease be advised service has been temporarily suspended between Campbell River and Quadra Island. There has been a fire on one of the dock structures at Campbell River terminal. The Powell River Queen is holding at Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island. A 12-person water taxi is carrying foot passengers from Quathiaski Cove to the marina near the dock at Campbell River terminal. Further updates will follow.
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Post by Retrovision on Apr 23, 2007 15:03:16 GMT -8
Campbell River/Quarta Island route is out of service due to a fire: www.bcferries.com/schedules/notices/notice04230702.htmlPlease be advised service has been temporarily suspended between Campbell River and Quadra Island. There has been a fire on one of the dock structures at Campbell River terminal. The Powell River Queen is holding at Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island. A 12-person water taxi is carrying foot passengers from Quathiaski Cove to the marina near the dock at Campbell River terminal. Further updates will follow. ( From: www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/04/23/bc-fire.html)
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
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Post by Neil on Apr 24, 2007 21:08:22 GMT -8
Skidegate-Prince Rupert (Revised Schedule) Posted April 23, 2007 Updated 4:40 pm on April 24th The Northern Adventure has been operating under a revised schedule due to weather delays on Monday. The current revised schedule is as follows:
Eastbound Leave Skidegate Tuesday 3:55 pm *actual Arrive Prince Rupert Tuesday 9:15 pm *estimated The ship will be back on schedule for Thursday 2:30 pm leaving Prince Rupert for Skidegate. We would like to thank our customers for their patience. -----------------------------------------------
I'm posting this mainly to point out the 5 hours, 20 minute sailing time between Prince Rupert and Skidegate. The Northern Adventure has been getting so many knocks from people lately; on the positive side, she is can be fairly speedy when required.
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