Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2011 21:37:30 GMT -8
The biggest problem right now for most employees at BCF is they have so much invested into their pension they can't leave. Many employees have 3-5 years left and are forced to endure it untill they retire.
Many employees that can retiring are leaving right away the sooner the better they are not sticking around any second longer. They want out NOW your seeing good experienced people leaving many have said they would have stayed longer if it wasn't for management.
The ones that don't have that much into their pension will bail when the economy in this province gets better.
In BCF eyes your just a employee number and that is it, do what your told and shut up.
If you want a career in the marine industry go work on the tow boats or other companies besides BCF.
The shift work screws up your sleep cycle you work 8 days on and 4 days off in most cases. Work 4 mornings 4 afternoons and 4 days off, mornings start at 5-5:30.
Untill BCF goes back to a crown corporation things are going to get worse.
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Post by WettCoast on Jan 27, 2011 21:58:51 GMT -8
Have BCF employees 'generally' always felt this way or have things changed for the worse since so-called privatization?
As a member of the public my view is that the new BC Ferries is not a better organization than the old. In terms of service to the travelling public, things, in my view, have gone down hill since 2003.
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mrdot
Voyager
Mr. DOT
Posts: 1,252
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Post by mrdot on Jan 27, 2011 22:22:11 GMT -8
:)further on this privatizted vs. crown workplace issue, there is no doubt in my mind that workers have a different template in these two different playing fields, and only the top brass will get the full meal deal in the other environment. :)mrdot.
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Quatchi
Voyager
Engineering Officer - CCG
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Post by Quatchi on Jan 27, 2011 22:53:12 GMT -8
The shift work screws up your sleep cycle you work 8 days on and 4 days off in most cases. Work 4 mornings 4 afternoons and 4 days off, mornings start at 5-5:30. Wow, did we just figure out that shift work might be a slight inconvenience. Unfortunately we cant all have a 9-5 work week. did you know that some people actually work the night shift. And others will work on ship for up to 60 days and then get 60 days off, and they can have an 1800-0600 shift. I don't think BCF employees need to complain about the actual working arrangements they have. I recall them getting decent pensions, health care, and the pay isn't bad, all this and most of them aren't terribly educated, of course no offense to the skills and transport Canada training they do posses, but we aren't talking PHD's here. Then you factor in the low safety risk of most employees, go work on the Fraser on a tug boat, your injury expectancy will skyrocket. Then factor in the oh what do you know 12 hour days that can start at 4:00 am or earlier, then throw in the instability of the private towing sector and you have yourself a wonderful time playing blackjack with your career and finances. Cheers,
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Post by Scott on Feb 16, 2011 19:41:16 GMT -8
On the topic of BC Ferries employment, is BC Ferries having a hiring drive ahead of this year's busy season? Usually near the beginning of a year is when they start asking for applications, but so far there's nothing on their website. Anyone have inside information?
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Post by Ferryman on Feb 16, 2011 20:08:18 GMT -8
January to March is usually when they'll accept applications for Seasonal or Casual employment. April is when the Interviews are done, and May is when you begin training.
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Post by Scott on Feb 16, 2011 20:15:48 GMT -8
January to March is usually when they'll accept applications for Seasonal or Casual employment. April is when the Interviews are done, and May is when you begin training. Right. The past few years though, they've made a pretty big deal about it on their website. So far this year there's no information whatsoever in their "Casual and Seasonal Employment" section. If you dig deeper, you can figure out when and how to apply. I'm just surprised that they're not advertising it this year.
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Post by Curtis on Feb 16, 2011 22:54:34 GMT -8
I heard a rumour the other day that BCFS is holding back the hiring process right now because of a dispute over whether the Chief Steward Position is a Union Job (apparently it isn't) until that is resolved they aren't hiring anyone. If it's true, that sure isn't helping my chances of getting employed.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2011 11:00:06 GMT -8
I wouldn't get your hopes up about getting hired on as a casual it will most likely be seasonal employees only. You guys really must be desparate for a job if you want to work for BCF
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Post by lmtengs on Feb 19, 2011 11:44:27 GMT -8
I wouldn't get your hopes up about getting hired on as a casual it will most likely be seasonal employees only. You guys really must be desparate for a job if you want to work for BCF We're ferry-fanatics, Jervis, I think most of us would enjoy working for BCF
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Post by uricanejack on Feb 19, 2011 13:38:09 GMT -8
They are acepting aplications right now at most terminals. just go in to the HR office and ask for an aplication. there are some opertunities for casual employement right away if qualified especialy in remote locations. For marine engineer. full time employment.
most are for seasonal employment May to October. suits students. most are offered casual employment at end of season if they wish to stay. if not they can return next year.
seasonal pays a little less than casual and has less benifites.
entry level jobs most places do. it is possible to start as a seasonal and end up a captain takes a while though.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 24, 2011 16:13:14 GMT -8
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2011 19:04:54 GMT -8
BRIDGE TEAM SIMULATION INSTRUCTOR (Tsawwassen) Date: 2011-02-23, 2:38PM PST Reply to: hr@bcferries.com [Errors when replying to ads?]
With 47 ports of call, 36 vessels, and more than 500 sailings every day, BC Ferries is the largest independently-owned ferry company in the world. Dedicated to safety, excellence, innovation, and people, we are committed to continuously improving the west coast travel experience of our customers.
BRIDGE TEAM SIMULATION INSTRUCTOR Tsawwassen
An integral member of the Bridge Team Simulation Instructors, you are responsible for the coordination of Bridge Team training schedules in your regions; including daily delivery of learning events and objectives. You assist the Senior Simulation Instructor to ensure that student growth and achievement is continuous and appropriate for their professional level and experience, through maintenance of training records, curriculum delivery, trainee development and simulator instruction guidelines and procedures. You contribute to ongoing training needs analysis and offer plans for improvement while collaborating with peers to enhance the instructional and simulation experience.
You are a clear, concise communicator, who strives to promote teamwork amongst diverse groups of staff, while providing coaching, mentoring and motivation in support of individual learning objectives. You are a self-motivated, analytical thinker who ensures accuracy in the details.
You have a valid STCW-95 certificate at the Master Mariner, Master Near Coastal or equivalent level. You have a minimum of 7 years of marine industry experience including a minimum of 5 years at sea leading bridge teams. You have at least 3 years experience leading and supervising teams with 2 of those years in a marine training role. Simulation training experience is necessary as is a demonstrated knowledge of complex computer systems.
Email your resume, quoting position title, by 5:00 pm, Friday March, 11, 2011 to hr@bcferries.com or fax to (250) 978-1225.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
* Location: Tsawwassen * Compensation: Under Review * Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. * Please, no phone calls about this job! * Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
PostingID: 2230944094
* Copyright © 2011 craigslist, inc. * terms of use * privacy policy * feedback forum
The above was posted yesterday on Craigslist . The field of potential candidates is pretty limited with the required qualifications. It will be interesting to see where the money for this expensive looking endeavor comes from.
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Post by uricanejack on Feb 25, 2011 0:56:32 GMT -8
How to become a BC Ferry Captain.
There are many different routes most of which depend on your own determination perseverance and effort.
Here is the most common.
Hire on as a seasonal or casual employee in around April may each year. And progress through the ranks until you get their. Rough guess a 15 year process.
In most traditional maritime companies different unions between departments and between deck crew and officers make working your way up very difficult with many road blocks. The jump from crew to officer can be very difficult.
The good news BC Ferries is one of the few companies who’s internal union and Management structure make it very possible and if not helpful do at least encourage and take pride in the ability to do this.
There are Captains on Sprit Class Ferries who started their career as bus boy, casual catering attendant, One Senior Master. Master is the actual legal title for a merchant vessel Captain. Who started as a catering attendant worked her way up through the galley to Chief Steward. Before opting to demote to a trainee deckhand and working her way up through those ranks to Senior Master.
Are there any faster tracks? Yes. No shortcuts though. Other qualifications mean nothing. The Certification process must be completed by everyone regardless of previous education.
The Minimum Qualifications Required.
For all crew.
A Valid Seafarers Medical (Good for two years)
Catering Attendant.. Min Qualification Grade 12.
Additional helps Food safe. MED, A1, A2, Super Host serving Right OFA Levels 1, 2, 3, Red Seal Cook. Lot Of deck crew are ex Cooks.
For deck Hand . No minimum experience. Min Qualification MED A2, B1, B2
Helps. Remote location. Gets more lenient in the boonies. Some kind of marine experience. Everything from kyack guide to retired Admiral has been Known.
MED A Med B1 B2. Can be done through BCIT or Mid Island.
Deck Hand Bridge Watch Man. In addition to MED Bridge Watch certificate issued By Transport Canada. Requires 6 months Qualifying Sea time. 1 month for every 30 days worked.
It takes a lot longer than 6 months to accrues the sea time. The Bridge watch course counts for up to 4 months sea time towards bridge watch. Certificate. Expensive and may make difference getting hired and to get hired full time.
ALL FULL TIME DECK HAND JOBS ARE POSTED INTERNALY AS DECK HAND BRIDGE WATCH.
The six months does not have to be STCW 95. For this certificate only.
Domestic only sea time can be used. Commercial Domestic Non STCW 95 Certification can be obtained in Canada For Vessels which sail only within Canadian Waters. While meeting minimum Legal requirements they are not currently accepted for any positions at BC Ferries.
Junior Officer Min Requirement.
The first Big hurdle a watch Keeping Mate Certificate. Restricted is home trade. Basically North America out 200 miles offshore only. Or Unrestricted.
Requirement 36 months of STCW 95 sea time
Many young single BC Ferry Deck Hands opt at this point to do the extra exams for an unrestricted certificate and apply for a leave of absence to accrue sea time and go work offshore to obtain sea time. This is a short cut. If you do not mind being away from home in often unappealing locations for many months at a time.
Those who don’t take their turn in line to get the opportunity to train to relieve as a Junior Officer or Mate then wait their turn to relieve 1 day at a time when the he full time officers are off. Until they accrue a minimum 12 months sea time as officer in charge of a watch before they can write their next certificate.
It may take several years.
A long slow process but anyone who has made the first step from ``behind the wheel`` as a ``QM`` Quarter Master. To in front of the Wheel as ``OOW`` Officer Of The watch. And The ``Master`` leaves him or her on the Bridge for the first time. Will almost certainly tell you.
It was one of the most frightening, stressful and most rewarding experiences of their life.
From that moment it will take a rough average of 10 years more experience at least 2 more certificates with a minimum of 2 years sea time in charge of a watch to become a BC Ferry Captain.
When I was in grade 3 my teacher an awful old bag gave me some excellent career advice. I would never amount to anything because I did nothing all day but stare out the window. Perhaps I should have become a Ferry Captain.
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Post by nolonger on Mar 3, 2011 11:25:28 GMT -8
It seems to me that I complained about the job for the entire 36 years I was there. Mostly out of boredom I suspect. You always felt unappreciated and were just a number. But there are people in all lines of work who are unhappy with their job. Sure the shift work and hours are tough but you knew that going in. Not many marine jobs on the coast without shiftwork. Very few BCFS employees have anything positive to say about management unless they are one, which is happening to some of them as we speak. But the job itself is ok. I have friends in the tow boat industry who I envied because they didn't have to deal with joe Public and didn't have to wear a uniform. But I didn't envy them when they were out on the westcoast in 70 knot winds or when they had been out for 10 days, and still had 4 to go. At least I slept in my own home every night, well almost there was that time I stayed in the Troller pub too long. Good pay, good benefits and most of us retirees who complained about it for years look back and figure it was a pretty good gig. Thing are going downhill from what I hear from old friends still there and what I read on the union website, so I'm glad I was able to get out when I did. I haven't seen the website in question but I'd bet it's a few disgruntleds posting. urricane jack is right on about buddy on anchors. Now if the liberals would just quit messing with my pension benefits..........
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Post by moparguy on Aug 11, 2011 12:20:31 GMT -8
Hello I am a automotive tech at a Chrysler dealership. I've been wanting to work in the marine industry for a long time. I've been thinking about the marine engineer program at bcit. I've looked at the careers section on the bc ferries web site and am interested in the engine room assistant. Anybody have any I formation on the day in the life of a engine room assistant? Are you able to start as a assistant and get a apprenticeship with bc ferries to become an engineer? Any help would much appreciated
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Post by Low Light Mike on Oct 6, 2011 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by aliengrey on Feb 7, 2013 17:18:17 GMT -8
Hello All,
I did try and search this forum for a similiar question, so I apologize for this thread in advance if it has been posted before.
I am not a BC Ferries employee. I have applied for a full time position in accounting dept, but as I do have the ability and motivation in the meantime to do seasonal work. I have seen recently that BC Ferries are now posting requests for resumes today. I am seeking information as to the potential hours for a first year seasonal employee (if any) for a terminal attendant or warehouse stockperson? I do have friends working in the BC Ferries, but they are on vacation, and also they have been full time for so long they honestly are out of touch with what may be the potential for this position. What of course they say is that you have to be always ready to go, which isn't a problem.
Does anyone have any estimates or advice in this regards?
Thank you, Lee.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 7, 2013 19:57:06 GMT -8
Hello All, I did try and search this forum for a similiar question, so I apologize for this thread in advance if it has been posted before. Aliengrey: - I've merged your question into this older thread.
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Post by aliengrey on Feb 7, 2013 20:17:03 GMT -8
I see Flugel, thank you.
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Post by Ferryman on Feb 7, 2013 21:07:37 GMT -8
Hello All, I did try and search this forum for a similiar question, so I apologize for this thread in advance if it has been posted before. I am not a BC Ferries employee. I have applied for a full time position in accounting dept, but as I do have the ability and motivation in the meantime to do seasonal work. I have seen recently that BC Ferries are now posting requests for resumes today. I am seeking information as to the potential hours for a first year seasonal employee (if any) for a terminal attendant or warehouse stockperson? I do have friends working in the BC Ferries, but they are on vacation, and also they have been full time for so long they honestly are out of touch with what may be the potential for this position. What of course they say is that you have to be always ready to go, which isn't a problem. Does anyone have any estimates or advice in this regards? Thank you, Lee. Hello Lee, I can't really speak for the position you're looking into working with, since there are a bunch of variables that would determine how much work you'd recieve. However, in most of the departments, this is how it usually seems to work out. First off, if you're in a Bargaining Unit (Union) position, you'll be given work based on seniority. The reason I say that, is because I'm not sure if the accounting dept is part of the union. If you're hired on with a few other seasonals at the time, all of you would be ranked with seniority which is all based on the date of hire and the employee number you're given. Work is given out based on who's senior. Keep in mind that you'd also be placed below existing Casual employees. Other things that would be taken into account is how much work is available. Essentially you're there to cover the days for when someone calls in sick, or someone books days off. So because you'd be a Seasonal/Casual employee, you don't usually get to follow a watch pattern because you're always on call when you're not working. Sometimes you can be called in completely last minute to cover for someone. Although usually fairly rare, but things happen. With all of that being said, they try to promise at least 15 days of work per month. But again, it all depends. Seasonal/Casual employees could also work up to as many as 21 days in a month. This is almost equivalent to full time hours, provided that you've worked 8 hours for each of those days. Regardless, if they need to work you for a 22nd day, it is overtime. My advice: If you have ever considered working on the ships, I'd reccomend working on the ships instead of on shore unless you know you could get an accounting dept position. Reality is, the ships have to sail and they need the crew to sail them.
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Post by aliengrey on Feb 7, 2013 21:42:12 GMT -8
Thanks Ferryman,
The accounting position is in the head office and is full time. This is separate from the seasonal work that I am enquiring about.
As I have the ability to work when required at anytime whenever I am required it is an ideal situation to start as a seasonal worker. To be honest, I don't have the basic marine training for the boats at this time. If in the future the training is offered, so be it. Regardless, there are two positions which I've mentioned that they are looking to fill for seasonal workers on shore which would suit me fine if they determine I am a good fit.
I am quite surprised at those hours to be honest. I would not complain at all with those hours or last minute calls. Sounds like fun.
I am assuming for the most part those hours would be for three to four months of the year, but throughout the rest of the year not so much or at all?
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Post by Ferryman on Feb 18, 2013 17:34:37 GMT -8
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jimjam
Oiler (New Member)
Posts: 2
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Post by jimjam on Apr 30, 2013 23:02:27 GMT -8
My husband interviewed for a Seasonal Casual Cook position with BC Ferries. (He's a Red Seal Cook). They told him he would probably get full-time hours during the summer season and then at end of season there would be possibility for more work.
We are wondering, if he starts as Casual, how long it might take for him to get on as a year-round employee, and when he might qualify for benefits. He would be working out of the Tsawwassen terminal.
Can anyone familiar with working at BC Ferries give us an idea of how the progression works and how long it takes?
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Post by ferrytraveller on May 2, 2013 12:35:31 GMT -8
If he is kept on as casual after the summer, He qualifies for benefits after he works approx 1000 hours. This all depends of how many shifts he gets, so it could take about 1.5 years before benefits are acquired, although it's possible for that to be sooner. As far as year round employee, there is a long list of casuals and many current employees doing cook training currently. It could and most likely will take 5-6 years before he is a regular cook. Hope that helps
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