Post by Scott on Jul 13, 2007 17:29:02 GMT -8
I have a couple questions about the classifications that ferries run under. From what I can tell, most ferries have different classes or levels that they can operate under, some requiring fewer crew and hence a lower passenger capacity. And some classes allowing a ferry to operate in open waters and some are restricted to confined waters for certain times of the year.
How easily can the class a ferry is operating under be changed? Can it be done within minutes at the captain's discretion? Say some crew members called in sick at the last minute.. can the captain still sail under a lower class with lower capacity?
And say the Spirit of British Columbia is operating at full capacity, at it's highest class. Can they do this all year or do they just do that in the summer? And does operating at the highest class restrict what weather it can operate in? I was just thinking about the past week where there were some unseasonally windy days. Can the ferry sail in stormy seas at it's highest class with its fullest capacity or would it be restricted to a lower capacity if it were to sail in windy conditions?
How easily can the class a ferry is operating under be changed? Can it be done within minutes at the captain's discretion? Say some crew members called in sick at the last minute.. can the captain still sail under a lower class with lower capacity?
And say the Spirit of British Columbia is operating at full capacity, at it's highest class. Can they do this all year or do they just do that in the summer? And does operating at the highest class restrict what weather it can operate in? I was just thinking about the past week where there were some unseasonally windy days. Can the ferry sail in stormy seas at it's highest class with its fullest capacity or would it be restricted to a lower capacity if it were to sail in windy conditions?
