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Post by Dane on Nov 21, 2016 22:38:23 GMT -8
I travel for work 90% of the time, and unfortunately these days, tend to need to work on the ferry. Last year I did about 100 one-way trips on Route 1, I think I'm a few ahead this year, so my ferry nerd level is low while traveling between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen. The New West is just the worst if you're actually trying to have a productive time. Lack of seating overall, tiny cafeteria, few business work stations, and it's just really damn loud. But. If I were in ferry nerd mode I'd entirely agree with Neil  |
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Post by Ferryman on Nov 21, 2016 22:55:52 GMT -8
I believe they completely did away with the four lane configuration for the port side of the upper car deck, and made them into three only. This was likely due to the widening of the center casing (to port) back when she was lifted. I remember this also being the case with the older V-Class back in the day, and the Queen of Vancouver would also had cones setup for the three lane configuration. Not sure about the Esquimalt/Saanich/Victoria though, but I'm sure they had the same issue to deal with having the same obvious design.
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Post by Mike C on Nov 24, 2016 14:04:12 GMT -8
The Queen of New Westminster had an interesting evening, last night...
TL;DR:
- the New West departed Duke Point at 11:45 pm last night, arrived at 6:45 AM this morning
- 21 passengers on board
- she spent most of the night holding outside of TSA
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Post by Dane on Nov 24, 2016 15:28:34 GMT -8
Anyone know why there wasn't tug assistance?
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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 Nov 24, 2016 15:56:59 GMT -8
couldent they have plan B if this happens to offload at Horseshoe Bay??
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,080 
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Post by Nick on Nov 24, 2016 16:35:17 GMT -8
couldent they have plan B if this happens to offload at Horseshoe Bay?? That would require enough certified staff at HSB to receive the vessel and direct traffic. Tsawwassen would have kept staff there on OT or called additional staff in so that the ship could eventually land. |
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Post by Dane on Nov 24, 2016 16:46:15 GMT -8
Still seems strange. Obviously I have no idea what the weather looked like, maybe it was too bad to do anything, and consequently the result was exactly what happened. But the Queen of Vancouver had tug assissted dockings in several occasions, and the Queen of Alberni (when it was Vancouver based) sailed to Horseshoe Bay at least twice before when on Rte 30. I would have enjoyed being on that sailing  |
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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 Nov 24, 2016 17:12:14 GMT -8
I would enjoyed being on that sailing too! I hope the food that was given was free! lol!
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,309
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Post by Neil on Nov 24, 2016 17:13:57 GMT -8
They were still being very cautious, even at this morning's 10:15 sailing from Tsawwassen. Loading began at 9:30, and there were repeated announcements about everyone needing to sit down, and for no one to be outside. Closer to departure, people were told that the elevator was to be shut down. Just before sailing, crew came around and made sure everyone was seated, and a group was told to come in off the deck. We left on time, slowly and cautiously, and rolled around mightily as the 'New West turned to head up the strait. After things calmed down, the cafeteria was opened and it was a fairly calm, uneventful sailing.
I trust that the overnight 'moorage' was facing into the wind and waves, but it still couldn't have been that comfortable. |
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Post by WettCoast on Nov 24, 2016 17:41:19 GMT -8
Still seems strange. Obviously I have no idea what the weather looked like, maybe it was too bad to do anything, and consequently the result was exactly what happened. But the Queen of Vancouver had tug assissted dockings in several occasions, and the Queen of Alberni (when it was Vancouver based) sailed to Horseshoe Bay at least twice before when on Rte 30. I would have enjoyed being on that sailing Going to HSB would seem to be an obvious solution rather than bobbing around in the strait for how many hours ... I am assuming there is at least one free berth at HSB at this time of year? Another possibility is to head over to Active Pass or somewhere else sheltered to wait it out in relative calm. I am scratching my head re the decision making at BCFS's. Perhaps they had no choice but an explanation as to why they did what they did would be nice ... |
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Post by westernflyer on Nov 24, 2016 22:00:21 GMT -8
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,309
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Post by Neil on Nov 24, 2016 22:20:33 GMT -8
Still seems strange. Obviously I have no idea what the weather looked like, maybe it was too bad to do anything, and consequently the result was exactly what happened. But the Queen of Vancouver had tug assissted dockings in several occasions, and the Queen of Alberni (when it was Vancouver based) sailed to Horseshoe Bay at least twice before when on Rte 30. I would have enjoyed being on that sailing Going to HSB would seem to be an obvious solution rather than bobbing around in the strait for how many hours ... I am assuming there is at least one free berth at HSB at this time of year? Another possibility is to head over to Active Pass or somewhere else sheltered to wait it out in relative calm. I am scratching my head re the decision making at BCFS's. Perhaps they had no choice but an explanation as to why they did what they did would be nice ... I suspect that there are two explanations, but only one that you would actually hear, that being, that they were expecting the winds to die down allowing them to get into dock at Tsawwassen. With regard to the seemingly sensible solution of making for Horseshoe Bay to let people off, the real reason was probably expense, from a crewing and logistical standpoint. |
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Post by WettCoast on Nov 25, 2016 8:39:28 GMT -8
That photos is of course mine, and dates from the 9th of April 1971, a mere 45.5 years ago. The red marking on the side of the ship was a 1971 centennial logo (100th anniversary of BC becoming a province of Canada). Here is a link to 'the original' on Flickr, although the real original is a colour fujichrome slide in my file numbered 71-01-12 ... |
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Post by WettCoast on Nov 25, 2016 8:53:45 GMT -8
I suspect that there are two explanations, but only one that you would actually hear, that being, that they were expecting the winds to die down allowing them to get into dock at Tsawwassen. With regard to the seemingly sensible solution of making for Horseshoe Bay to let people off, the real reason was probably expense, from a crewing and logistical standpoint. But Neil, how much expense did BCFS incur paying the entire crew for how many hours of overtime? They must also have had a Tsawwassen Terminal crew on standby & on OT waiting for the ship to come in. How much fuel was burned keeping the ship bobbing around in the Strait (or did they anchor)? Did they pass out free food? Would Deas Dock be a possible place of refuge in a scenario such as this? Is Boundary Bay a nearby place they could wait it out in calmer waters? So many questions ... |
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Post by Starsteward on Nov 25, 2016 9:20:28 GMT -8
Going to HSB would seem to be an obvious solution rather than bobbing around in the strait for how many hours ... I am assuming there is at least one free berth at HSB at this time of year? Another possibility is to head over to Active Pass or somewhere else sheltered to wait it out in relative calm. I am scratching my head re the decision making at BCFS's. Perhaps they had no choice but an explanation as to why they did what they did would be nice ... I suspect that there are two explanations, but only one that you would actually hear, that being, that they were expecting the winds to die down allowing them to get into dock at Tsawwassen. With regard to the seemingly sensible solution of making for Horseshoe Bay to let people off, the real reason was probably expense, from a crewing and logistical standpoint. A Master's first concern is always the safety of his passengers and whether or not sea conditions allow for safe navigation of his ship. Given that there were only 21 passengers on board during this 'adventurous sailing', he might have ALSO considered whether or not any of those 21 passengers had a vehicle parked in one of the pay parking lots that would require a trip from Horseshoe Bay back to TSW. in order to fetch their vehicle. IF, upon canvassing the passengers as to whether or not they had a vehicle at TSW., and if no one had a vehicle at TSW.,given the light passenger count, he may have decided the light passenger count did not make economic sense to make the trek to H.S. Bay. The hour is late, pitch black outside, the wind is howling, strange sounds are invading the interior of the ship, there are 21 souls aboard that are not entirely 'anxiety- free. The Master and crew should be aware of this condition. I don't know how/what steps were taken to attempt to ease the angst those passengers were feeling but I offer the following scenario: Over the P.A. request the passengers assemble in a mid-ship lounge area where a crew member would do a head count and inform those assembled that the Captain is on his way down from the bridge to give them a game plan of his intentions for the duration of the 'crossing from hell', respond to all passengers' questions, (yeah, including; "who's steering the ship' now if you're down here"?). The Master has a great opportunity with this few passengers to make a real "comfort" statement. Also on hand should be the Chief Steward to address any catering concerns/requests the passengers may have and relay to the passengers what catering services would be made available due to the storm conditions and how any services would be delivered. When have any of us had our anxieties best put at ease during out of the ordinary trips on the water or in the air?. Having been on both sides of the passenger/crew equation during such times, frequent communications from those in command and having crew remain as visible as possible, going about their duties, maintaining the utmost of 'normalcy' offers an opportunity to lead by example and give those whose safety and comfort is your primary responsibility, truly a 'trip to remember'. |
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Post by Ferryman on Feb 10, 2017 20:45:53 GMT -8
Queen of New West, heading back into the barn at Berth 2, Tsawwassen after the torch was handed back over to the Queen of Alberni once again today. The Queen of Alberni has just finished up her 3/4 life upgrade. As seen from the Salish Orca  Queen of New Westminster arriving in Tsawwassen by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr |
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Post by mybidness459 on Feb 11, 2017 14:35:43 GMT -8
Awesome Vantage Point!
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Post by mybidness459 on Feb 17, 2017 13:24:56 GMT -8
Notice that the New West is running Friday's extra sailings today on rt 1. They have the Coastals, and the New West with no Spirit Class service today. Has this ever happened before on this run?
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Post by Charles on Feb 18, 2017 21:44:10 GMT -8
Queen of New West, heading back into the barn at Berth 2, Tsawwassen after the torch was handed back over to the Queen of Alberni once again today. The Queen of Alberni has just finished up her 3/4 life upgrade. As seen from the Salish Orca Queen of New Westminster arriving in Tsawwassen by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr How tall is the Salish Orca!? |
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Post by yak on Feb 19, 2017 16:14:29 GMT -8
Queen of New West, heading back into the barn at Berth 2, Tsawwassen after the torch was handed back over to the Queen of Alberni once again today. The Queen of Alberni has just finished up her 3/4 life upgrade. As seen from the Salish Orca How tall is the Salish Orca!? Tall... I can't remember what her actual height is right now but the bridge of the Nanaimo is on about the same level as the main passenger deck (Deck 4) and she has three more decks above that plus the Monkey's Island. Even the New West with her added deck is dwarfed... |
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Post by Curtis on Feb 19, 2017 21:19:55 GMT -8
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Post by Scott on Apr 8, 2017 22:01:52 GMT -8
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Post by Mike on Apr 17, 2017 19:06:05 GMT -8
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Post by Starsteward on Apr 18, 2017 10:34:54 GMT -8
I suppose there's something to be said for having been 'sliced, stretched, lifted, supplemented with multiple cosmetic surgeries as the old girl at 53 is soon to inherit the title of 'Miss Longevity' as she will have seen younger and older sisters meet with their 'end of watch' ceremonies. The Queen of New Westminster, appears to be displaying an wide open car -deck grin as she dances across the waves heading into Active Pass bound for Victoria. One might detect a chuckle or two as she ponders if her 'Royal City' lineage has helped her outlast her name-sake sister 'V ictoria'.
Alas, the poor old 'Victoria' was denied the largesse from the royal purse for the costly surgical and cosmetic pampering as were bestowed on her younger sister. The departed 'sisters' may get the final chuckle, knowing only too well that the 'Royal City's' sister's days are numbered. The public purse no longer willing to keep any old Queen afloat. The 7 sisters were monarchs of a grand era, best kept alive in one's memories and on the printed pages of maritime history. 
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Post by bigcountry on Jul 3, 2017 8:56:46 GMT -8
The Queen of New Westminster is currently using Berth 2 at Swartz Bay... anyone know why she isn't using Nerth 1 and is this normal???
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