Prospective Employee
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Post by Prospective Employee on May 15, 2008 12:08:38 GMT -8
Well, one would think that. But Ferrytraveller is also currently in the middle of the 4 year Nautical Sciences program at BCIT. So that gives BC Ferries the idea that he has potential to move up that ladder quickly, as there's a shortage of deck crew. But yes, to sum it all up, that's what you need to be a Deckhand. Yes that is the minimum for what you need they say. Although a bridge watch ticket will help you get the job over someone who doesn't have that ticket. There are about 7 people who were just hired from the bridge watchman program at bcit which is like 4 months i think. They have only done practical work and never worked on a BC Ferry or other commercial vessel. So it is possible, just get your MEDs and put your name in, they are still looking for people for deckhand. But with the Olympics coming up in 2010, I would assume that BCFerries would be going on a hiring frenzy for deckhands and other jobs too, am I right? So perhaps just having the minimum, with no Bridge Watchman ticket, might just do it (fingers crossed).
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Post by ferrytraveller on May 15, 2008 14:45:45 GMT -8
yah thats definately possible, i mean lots of people i got hired with didn't have bridge watchman tickets, i was lucky because i did. So i would advise you to get your name in and hope for the best. There is a good chance you could be hired.
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Post by Guest on May 15, 2008 20:50:15 GMT -8
If you want to work on a minor route you pretty well need a Bridgewatch ticket.
You guys really must like being punished if you really want to work for BCF.
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Post by Scott on May 15, 2008 21:00:05 GMT -8
As an aside, what is the state of the maritime industry as a whole? Sure, we hear that BC Ferries is short staffed, but what about other local companies that operate ferries, workboats, etc? Is there a general labour shortage right now across the board in the industry? Or is it just as hard to get into as it was 10-15 years ago? The economy is supposedly booming right now, but at the same time the lumber industry is in steep decline and that's one of the main demands for the workboats/tugboats.
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Post by flaren on Jun 10, 2008 15:37:45 GMT -8
How to you apply for a job at deas dock, i used to work there when it was deas pacific marine, does anybody have any contacts or email addresses
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Post by Coastal Canuck on Jun 10, 2008 16:18:13 GMT -8
How to you apply for a job at deas dock, i used to work there when it was deas pacific marine, does anybody have any contacts or email addresses I thought it was Deas Pacific Marine still but everyone calls it Deas Dock
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Post by kerryssi on Jun 11, 2008 19:08:41 GMT -8
I believe there is an industry wide shortage of officers and engineers. With BCFS they have trouble keeping the people they hire when the employees discover the poor conditions and draconian management they work for.
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Post by Langdale on Jul 2, 2008 6:11:04 GMT -8
Hi, I'm one of the seasonal employees hired at Langdale this spring, so if anyone has any questions about that situation, feel free to ask me. I've read a couple of times on this forum that there are better opportunities than BC Ferries out there but no one has really said what they are. For those in the know - where are the 'better opportunites'?
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Post by kerryssi on Jul 3, 2008 14:51:42 GMT -8
I know of a lady who had a choice BCFS or McDonalds. She chose McDonalds. The starting wage was slightly less but the shifts and benefits were far better. Better jobs are out there.
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Post by Balfour on Jul 3, 2008 21:31:48 GMT -8
I think our Guest "Langdale" is referring to other jobs in the Marine Transportation Industry.
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Ferryman
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Post by Ferryman on Jul 3, 2008 21:34:23 GMT -8
I've been told numerous times that Seaspan is a really good company to get involved with. Apparently they'll even help pay for your schooling so you can move up the ladder. But like basically every transportation related job, I'm sure it has its catches though.
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Post by Guest 99 on Jul 5, 2008 5:00:32 GMT -8
We are in a world that is now the employees choice. It used to be that an employer had a stack of resumes on his/her desk and could call up and interview 8-10 people and make their choice. Now we are in a world were we have to offer better benefits then the guy down the street is offering just to attract the attention of the potential employee. I have heard stories of people in the Vancouver area quitting there job at 11am then going for lunch and having a new job by 1pm that same day. From what I have heard BC Ferries has to realize that they have to offer better benefits then the other guy (Seaspan, Rivtow). McDonalds is doing just that. I have heard that they will help cover daycare costs just to attract day time staff in some locations.
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Post by Scott on Jul 5, 2008 12:39:28 GMT -8
How does someone get in with the tugboats/workboats? Is it all through the union? In other words, you can't just go drop off a resume at Seaspan and expect a response?
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Post by kerryssi on Jul 5, 2008 15:13:39 GMT -8
Usualy you join the company then are informed of the union requirements. It is an agreement worked out between the employer and the union. It lets the company hire the best qualified but then they must join the union. I believe Seaspan offers about the same wages as BCFS but with day for day and benefits starting immediately instead of years down the road.
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Post by F1 on Jul 5, 2008 20:54:17 GMT -8
Actually, Kerry, Seaspan wages are about $5 higher for every position, deck and engine room. For every day of work is 1.2 days off. Talking about applying: before I would, I would try to find out what is like to work the in place. Surfing the net I came across www.ratemyemployer.com . Under "BC Ferry" and "Tourism,Travel and Passenger Transportation", I found few interesting entries. On the other hand, if you are qualified marine engineer looks like BC Ferries at the present is in need of 31 first and second class certificates.
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Post by Canucks on Jul 5, 2008 21:11:14 GMT -8
I read the ratings for BCF on the employer website and all I have to say is ouch! Every rating seems to hint at over management and low pay, although some of the ratings seems a bit extreme. Have a read for yourself and see what you think.
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Post by Ian on Jul 6, 2008 12:14:29 GMT -8
Sorry, I don't know where to put things in this forum anymore.
So who here is either going to or is taking the 4 year Nautical Science program at BCIT's North Van Campus? I have been accepted but I'm not sure if I want to go just yet, maybe a couple years from now. For those in it, have you already had a company come select you for the co-op, if so is it a cruise line. I know Princess is part of the co-op, who else. Like many my dream is to become a Captain, hopefully of a Cruise Ship, but I need more info about the BCIT program first. Thanks.
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Post by Mike C on Jul 6, 2008 19:49:51 GMT -8
I intend on taking this route to get my way into the marine industry. I will be interested to hear what people have to say about the program.
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Ferryman
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Post by Ferryman on Jul 6, 2008 20:39:50 GMT -8
Congrats on being accepted, Ian. I was part of your competition for this year, but I can't seem to get a solid yes or no answer from them. So I'm looking elsewhere, ie: East Coast.
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Post by Ian on Jul 6, 2008 21:05:44 GMT -8
Thanks you. I just can't decide as to whether or not I am going to go. I don't know if I am ready to have every year of my life until I am 65 spending 6 to 8 months living on board ship. I thought someone on this forum is in it?
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Ferryman
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Post by Ferryman on Jul 6, 2008 22:06:03 GMT -8
You bet. Member "ferrytraveller" is going to be in his 3rd year of Nautical Sciences this Fall. Right now, he's getting his seatime onboard the SoBC and Vancouver I believe. I'm sure he'll tell you all what it's about once he finds this thread.
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Post by ferrytraveller on Jul 7, 2008 0:04:41 GMT -8
congrats Ian, on getting in to the program. Well Firstly, ask yourself, where do you want to work in the industry? IF its Deep Sea (ie. Great Lakes or Cruise Ships) then the program is perfect for you, if you want to work Local, IE Tugs or Ferries, the program isn't geared to that! Now saying that, you can always work here once you get your tickets. The Nautical Sciences Program is definately the fastest way to get your tickets, but not the only way.
You can also work locally and get sea time and write your tickets as you go.
Now you have to be prepared to work 6 months strait for the next 4 years when on coop. The school wants you to get that much sea time, otherwise you have to do longer then that in other seaphases in the next coop term.
The school work isn't overly difficult but requires you to put in the effort, some of the teachers are slack and sometimes they don't show up. Thats cause they school doesnt communicate well on when a certain class they teach starts.
PS. the uniform they make you buy is a joke!! Buy only the minimum. PM me about that ok. Anything else i can help you with??
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Post by DENelson83 on Jul 7, 2008 5:29:18 GMT -8
I hope they don't make you swim, 'cuz I'm naturally negatively buoyant, which would dash my hopes of ever working on board a BC Ferry.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2008 21:20:00 GMT -8
Im wondering what the is age when you can not work on BC Ferries any more?
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Post by Hardy on Jul 7, 2008 23:47:32 GMT -8
I would assume that due to government legislation AGAINST "Age Discrimination" that the only hard and fast requirement would be passing a Seafarer's Medical Exam successfully; without a hard limit though, this would probably realistically be 60-65 years of age, depending on assignment (IE: a Captain/Master could perhaps still be employed at 65, whereas an Engineer may only make it to 58 or so... - these numbers are just a guess based on the physicallity of the work).
One way around this is to use CONTRACT employees (IE: Subcontractors) as that way you do not end up afoul of any of your own policies (as long as those policies allow contracting-out, which I believe the BCFS contract does).
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