Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,151
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Post by Neil on Feb 16, 2011 11:46:36 GMT -8
I have no qualms with cancellations for safety as was outlined in my post. It's this "passenger comfort" term or concept as it where that I find unacceptable. BC Ferries needs to be more straight up about why there are cancellations and drop the marketing terms. So far no one has put forward an explanation for the growth in cancellations and this increased aversion to risk at BC Ferries. I guess we'll consider this issue closed for now, perhaps subject to a separate thread in the future. First of all, you haven't established that there are indeed more weather cancellations on the southern runs. If there are, it could well be a result of the verifiable increase of wind and storm events that we've had in recent years, which climate scientists told us would happen as a result of climate change. It seems odd to me that you would criticize, or at least question, a passenger carrier for having an "increased aversion to risk". As mrdot pointed out, operating safety standards have changed. At one time, ferries might have sailed full enough that the last car was almost literally hanging off the edge of the car deck. That's not allowed any more. BC Ferries is conscious of the repercussions that can result from sailing in extreme weather, and the bad publicity that results from having kids barfing all over the place and people falling over. Ferry travel isn't supposed to be a buyer beware exercise, as you previously suggested it should be, and I also think the company has a prudent concern for the operating and safety aspects of it's vessels and crew. When airlines cancel flights due to weather, we don't get armchair pilots taking them to task for being risk averse. Well, maybe we do; I don't look at airplane forums. But I think we can live with ferries occasionally not sailing due to weather without demanding some sort of official inquiry.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2011 18:34:45 GMT -8
I am aware of the ships layout. there is a small box for passengers as you mentioned - on this evenings run as well as all the seats being taken - including some people sitting on each others laps, there were an additional ten people crammed in there and still more out on the decks trying to find shelter from the wind. there is no way anyone should be asked to stnd in the painted areas as there is no protection from the elements whatsoever. We are now in the fourth day of this and ferries have not even acknowledged what is happening, let alone done anything to make the ride either safer or more comfortable. the most popular suggestion from passengers (and some crew) is that ferries park a bus on the deck for passengers to sit in. but we have not had one word from ferry management who i assume are hoping everyone will just put up with it. calls to BC ferries - if you can get through, are answered with "i'll pass that along" - as are emails.
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Post by Northern Exploration on Feb 17, 2011 9:18:08 GMT -8
As far as BC Ferries canceling more sailings or not, you can always find an example of things that "used" to be done, that no longer are. For example why waste so much money on lifesaving drills and equipment. The Titanic didn't carry as many lifeboats... oh... never mind. Obviously in many areas, oversight bodies have increased standards and instituted new policies, and Transport Canada is no exception. Hopefully that means we are getting smarter and not just adding redtape. Vessels carry more safety equipment so are heavier and more robust, passengers require more amenities so an increase in power plant is necessary, and instead of flushing overboard, sewage treatment/containment and other environmental standard enforced. Not mentioned so far is insurance standards. Payouts for injured passengers can be pretty costly. Many times in industry insurance premiums can become a key factor in what can, and can't be done. I don't know if this is the case with BCF, but I wouldn't be surprized if there isn't a clause that addresses weather conditions either overtly or obliquely. Society has become much more risk adversed. Adventure playgrounds get taken down because of insurance premiums and the fear of being sued. Air Shows have dwindled due to insurance premiums skyrocketing (Hamilton, London and to an extent Trenton). Canadian customers are rapidly following their southern neighbours and suing for more things and more frequently. While at the same time we are more and more impatient and *itch at inconveniences. We seem to love to complain!
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Post by ferryfanyvr on Feb 17, 2011 18:55:58 GMT -8
The problem is not mechanical, she has a major sewage back-up. My friend rode the HSQ today and reports that there is now a school bus parked on board to serve as a shelter for the foot passengers.
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bargain
Oiler (New Member)
Posts: 44
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Post by bargain on Mar 1, 2011 14:16:37 GMT -8
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Post by gordon on Mar 1, 2011 18:12:58 GMT -8
I'm surprised that the IP route is not included in this service notice seing that Queen Charlotte Sound will have Hurricane Force winds & the nor Ad will reach that part of her route around 8AM tomorrow.
Does this route usually get canceled due to a Hurricane force wind warning?
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Post by lmtengs on Mar 1, 2011 20:28:16 GMT -8
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CFG
Deckhand
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
Posts: 64
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Post by CFG on Mar 1, 2011 20:42:41 GMT -8
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Post by lmtengs on Mar 1, 2011 20:59:11 GMT -8
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Post by gordon on Mar 1, 2011 21:08:53 GMT -8
It looks like the No ad is going to have a very rough tail end of her southbound trip with 8+ meter seas tomorrow morning in the southern Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Post by lmtengs on Mar 1, 2011 21:37:54 GMT -8
Are there any webcams aimed at Hecate Strait up there? I'd love to watch her sail across.
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Post by glasseye on Mar 2, 2011 7:58:29 GMT -8
All service between the mainland and VI canceled for at least the first two sailings today.
First two sailings from the mainland to VI canceled on TSA-SWB, TSA-DP and HSB-DEP.
SWB to the gulf islands also canceled.
Comox-Powell River canceled.
NorAd stuck in the worst of it off the north end of VI. Wind conditions 45 knots with gusts to 56kts (103km/h). That's not going to be a comfortable ride.
Winds in the Georgia Basin are currently maxing out at 48kts (89km/h).
Flooding observed at Duke Point in the holding compound.
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Post by glasseye on Mar 2, 2011 12:52:22 GMT -8
Comox-Powell River appears to be in operation as there is no service notice to the contrary.
Routes 1, 2 and 30 have yet to start service for the day. Current notices say service is planned to start at 3pm.
NorAd is in-port at Port Hardy.
Winds in the Georgia basin have dropped to 50km/h or below, however Environment Canada still has a gale warning posted.
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Post by glasseye on Mar 2, 2011 15:15:48 GMT -8
Routes #1 and #2 in service as of 3pm.
Winds on the water have died down to the sub 20knot range although we're getting 60km/h+ gusts on land here in Howe Sound.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 2, 2011 18:02:35 GMT -8
Are there any webcams aimed at Hecate Strait up there? I'd love to watch her sail across. She's a long way away from Hecate Strait. The NorAd, that is. But regarding web-cams, usually there needs to be a reason for the camera, such as a marina business. - the closest thing is maybe the airport at Sandspit, but I doubt that it would have a webcam. On the Eastern side of Hecate Straight are just wilderness islands. The sea-otters might have something rigged up....
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Post by Ferryman on Mar 8, 2011 8:58:23 GMT -8
Yesterday, the passenger lounge on the Howe Sound Queen was re-opened. No service notice, and no news release. The lounge was closed for 22 days while it underwent repairs. The difference inside now is that she no longer has carpets. Instead, the carpets were pulled out and a thin layer of concrete was added which has an outer deck blue non skid finish. Seating arrangements and the rest all remain the same. The blue turquette (linoleum like finish) is still in the washrooms.
During the time that Deck 3 was closed off, passengers used the wheelchair accessable lounge and washroom. A school bus was brought on board as well for people to use as a place to sit. A container was also brought on board to house the ferry workers and safety equipment.
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Post by lmtengs on Mar 9, 2011 20:42:40 GMT -8
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Post by glasseye on Mar 10, 2011 12:28:00 GMT -8
Bad day to be going through HSB:
Wouldn't be surprised to see further cancellations today if the wind picks up as forecast.
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Post by lmtengs on Mar 10, 2011 15:03:54 GMT -8
I'm listening to CBC Radio 1, and they said that BCF is sending the Queen of Cowichan to the Langdale route for the rest of the day, maybe longer.
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bargain
Oiler (New Member)
Posts: 44
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Post by bargain on Mar 10, 2011 16:05:34 GMT -8
That is indeed the case.
I'm currently sitting at Horseshoe Bay waiting for the Queen of Cowichan for the 1730 sailing to Langdale.
I arrived at 1530 and "should" make it on.
For those folks arriving just 10 minutes behind me it's going to be a long summer style wait for the 1930 sailing.
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Post by glasseye on Mar 10, 2011 19:14:53 GMT -8
Murphy's law strikes Langdale-HSB:
The Cowitchan, after having been repurposed to replace the Surrey after it was taken out due to mechanical difficulties, is now 18 minutes late due to its own mechanical problems.
No service notice as of yet.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 11, 2011 22:01:48 GMT -8
Here's an odd one:
The Burnaby is actually on a weather-course, south of Cape Lazo (from SiiTech, a few minutes ago). - I'm thinking the Quadra story is just a mistake.
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Post by FerryDude2012 on Mar 18, 2011 17:44:54 GMT -8
Note: This Service Notice applies to the following route(s): - Hornby Island (Shingle Spit) - Denman Island East (Gravelly Bay) - Vancouver Island (Buckley Bay) - Denman Island West -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vessel ReplacementBuckley Bay – Denman IslandApril 4 – April 8 Please be advised that the M.V Quinitsa will be temporally removed from service on the Buckley Bay – Denman route from April 4- 8 due to a scheduled Transport Canada Dry docking. During this time the M.V Kahloke will be operating as the replacement vessel. As this vessel has a smaller vehicle capacity it will operate in shuttle mode starting with the 6:40 am departure from Denman West and ending with the 11:00 pm departure from Buckley Bay. As a result of the M.V Kahloke operating on shuttle mode, traffic destined to Hornby Island will not be staged at Buckley Bay as per the normal procedure. The loading will be based on a “first come first serve” basis. The M.V Tachek will operate on the Denman East – Hornby Island Route as per the published schedule. The M.V Quinitsa will resume service with the scheduled 6:40 am sailing from Denman West on April 9, 2011. BC Ferries recommends that travelers adjust their travel plans accordingly. BC Ferries appreciates our customers’ patience. Copyright ©2011, British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. Link: www.bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice?id=382253
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Post by hwy19man on Mar 22, 2011 15:05:01 GMT -8
I did not see this anywhere.
Construction is underway at the Tsawwassen Terminal that will affect the loading and off-loading of commercial vehicles over 14'8" (4.5m) high, travelling on the Tsawwassen-Duke Point route.
Construction is expected to last until late April 2011. We ask that customers exceeding this height restriction travel through either Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay.
BC Ferries appreciates the patience and understanding of travellers during the construction period.
For updated sailing information please call 1-888-BCFERRY (223-3779).
The construction is needed but the unfortunate height restriction kind of defeats the purpose of route 30. I bet you Horseshoe Bay residents are loving this right now.
[a href="www.bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice?id=378632"] www.bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice?id=378632[/font][/a]
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Post by FerryDude2012 on Apr 5, 2011 14:59:47 GMT -8
Posted Tuesday, April 5, 2011 Print Version Note: This Service Notice applies to the following route(s): - Port McNeill - Alert Bay (Cormorant Island) - Sointula (Malcolm Island) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS The Quadra Queen II, based out of Alert Bay is currently experiencing electrical problems. At this time we are unable to advise when normal service will resume. BC Ferries has made arrangements for the M.V. NAIAD EXPLORER to service our communities until further notice. The M.V. NAIAD EXPLORER is able to accommodate foot-passenger traffic only. Normal passenger fares purchased at our Port McNeill ticket booth will be applicable. The M.V. NAIAD EXPLORER will be operating our posted scheduled service and will be embarking and disembarking foot-passengers at the following locations: · Port McNeill: at the new municipal dock alongside our ferry terminal · Sointula: at our ferry dock (Lions) · Alert Bay: below the RCMP building south of our ferry terminal For the latest information please call BC Ferries toll-free at 1-888-BC-FERRY or 1-888-223-3779 We regret any inconvenience caused, and are working hard to re-establish normal service as soon as possible. www.bcferries.com/bcfservicenotice?id=390732
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