Post by Low Light Mike on Aug 22, 2017 16:54:04 GMT -8
A BCFS "news release supplemental" for Q&A on the enclosed car-deck issue
- We're a bit ahead of the curve here, so many of this Q&A items will be things that we already understand and accept.
- We're a bit ahead of the curve here, so many of this Q&A items will be things that we already understand and accept.
Earlier today, a news release was issued about harmonizing our safety practices with Canadian ferry operators relating to Transport Canada regulations that prohibit passengers from remaining in vehicles on any closed deck on a vessel that is underway. We understand there are many questions and concerns around this news and hope these FAQs will help to address them. We are here to answer any other questions you might have as we move towards this change.
1. Why does BC Ferries have to comply now after the regulation has been around since 2007?
Since 2007, BC Ferries has maintained a continuous car deck patrol. BC Ferries and Transport Canada recently re-examined the policy and in an effort to coordinate safety practices will change the application of the regulation.
2. Which vessels do the regulations apply to?
The new regulation applies to the following vessels: Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Coastal Renaissance, Coastal Inspiration, Coastal Celebration, Queen of Alberni, Queen of Coquitlam, Queen of Cowichan, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Oak Bay, Queen of Surrey, Queen of Nanaimo, Salish Orca, Salish Eagle, Salish Raven, Northern Expedition, Northern Adventure and the new vessel servicing Port Hardy – Bella Coola.
3. Why are customers allowed on the upper vehicle deck?
Transport Canada’s regulation only applies to enclosed vehicle decks. The upper vehicle deck is open to the external environment and is not affected by the regulations.
4. Are any vehicles exempt?
The vehicles that are not required to comply with the regulations are vehicles that due to the nature of their operation require their operators to be present, including but not limited to: ambulances, other emergency vehicles and livestock carriers.
5. How can I request/book/reserve to be on the upper vehicle deck?
Customers with special circumstances can request to be on the upper vehicle deck by letting the ticket agent know when they arrive at the terminal that they prefer to be on the upper car deck. Where this is possible, BC Ferries will try and accommodate your request. For vehicles that arrive close to the time of boarding or once boarding has commenced, it may not be possible to accommodate the request. The final decision to load a vehicle on the upper or lower car deck rests with the Loading Officer who is responsible for the safe stowage of all vehicles/cargo.
6. What qualifies as a special circumstance to request being on the upper vehicle deck?
Customers with special circumstances such as medical difficulties, challenges or special needs that may preclude them exiting their vehicle may make a request to be on the upper vehicle deck by letting the ticket agent know when they arrive at the terminal. Where this is possible, BC Ferries will try and accommodate your request.
7. If I have a pet, can I request the upper vehicle deck?
Customers can request to be on the upper vehicle deck by letting the ticket agent know when they arrive at the terminal that they prefer to be on the upper vehicle deck. Where this is possible, BC Ferries will try and accommodate the request. Where this is not possible, passengers with pets can use the pet areas located on the upper (open) vehicle decks. Pets will be allowed to remain in vehicles on the lower vehicle deck, but their owners are requested to leave the lower car deck.
8. What happens if passengers refuse to leave their vehicles?
Transport Canada institutes these regulations for the safety of passengers, and passenger safety is of paramount importance to BC Ferries. We hope that the benefits become self-evident and customers will choose to leave the closed vehicle deck. The small number of customers that remain on the closed vehicle deck will be asked to leave their vehicles.
9. On shorter trips, why do passengers need to go to the upper passenger deck?
Transport Canada’s regulations apply to all vessels and trips regardless of their duration.
1. Why does BC Ferries have to comply now after the regulation has been around since 2007?
Since 2007, BC Ferries has maintained a continuous car deck patrol. BC Ferries and Transport Canada recently re-examined the policy and in an effort to coordinate safety practices will change the application of the regulation.
2. Which vessels do the regulations apply to?
The new regulation applies to the following vessels: Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, Coastal Renaissance, Coastal Inspiration, Coastal Celebration, Queen of Alberni, Queen of Coquitlam, Queen of Cowichan, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Oak Bay, Queen of Surrey, Queen of Nanaimo, Salish Orca, Salish Eagle, Salish Raven, Northern Expedition, Northern Adventure and the new vessel servicing Port Hardy – Bella Coola.
3. Why are customers allowed on the upper vehicle deck?
Transport Canada’s regulation only applies to enclosed vehicle decks. The upper vehicle deck is open to the external environment and is not affected by the regulations.
4. Are any vehicles exempt?
The vehicles that are not required to comply with the regulations are vehicles that due to the nature of their operation require their operators to be present, including but not limited to: ambulances, other emergency vehicles and livestock carriers.
5. How can I request/book/reserve to be on the upper vehicle deck?
Customers with special circumstances can request to be on the upper vehicle deck by letting the ticket agent know when they arrive at the terminal that they prefer to be on the upper car deck. Where this is possible, BC Ferries will try and accommodate your request. For vehicles that arrive close to the time of boarding or once boarding has commenced, it may not be possible to accommodate the request. The final decision to load a vehicle on the upper or lower car deck rests with the Loading Officer who is responsible for the safe stowage of all vehicles/cargo.
6. What qualifies as a special circumstance to request being on the upper vehicle deck?
Customers with special circumstances such as medical difficulties, challenges or special needs that may preclude them exiting their vehicle may make a request to be on the upper vehicle deck by letting the ticket agent know when they arrive at the terminal. Where this is possible, BC Ferries will try and accommodate your request.
7. If I have a pet, can I request the upper vehicle deck?
Customers can request to be on the upper vehicle deck by letting the ticket agent know when they arrive at the terminal that they prefer to be on the upper vehicle deck. Where this is possible, BC Ferries will try and accommodate the request. Where this is not possible, passengers with pets can use the pet areas located on the upper (open) vehicle decks. Pets will be allowed to remain in vehicles on the lower vehicle deck, but their owners are requested to leave the lower car deck.
8. What happens if passengers refuse to leave their vehicles?
Transport Canada institutes these regulations for the safety of passengers, and passenger safety is of paramount importance to BC Ferries. We hope that the benefits become self-evident and customers will choose to leave the closed vehicle deck. The small number of customers that remain on the closed vehicle deck will be asked to leave their vehicles.
9. On shorter trips, why do passengers need to go to the upper passenger deck?
Transport Canada’s regulations apply to all vessels and trips regardless of their duration.