Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,171
|
Post by Neil on Jun 8, 2020 19:33:09 GMT -8
Looks like the wait for the Island Discovery is almost over! From the Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee Facebook page:
|
|
|
Post by Curtis on Jun 9, 2020 14:25:00 GMT -8
And now the official word from BC Ferries. Tomorrow (June 10) is the day! Interesting timing though as the 15:00 sailing on Wednesday is the weekly dangerous goods run. The release also kind of contradicts itself as it states the NIP retires tonight instead of tomorrow after the AM crew shift. (Is there a third ship involved they're not telling us about?... Queen of Richmond?? ) Media Release: www.bcferries.com/bcferries/faces/attachments?id=7648And the video BC Ferries released welcoming the Island Discovery into service:
|
|
|
Post by Kahn_C on Jun 10, 2020 8:28:22 GMT -8
Interesting side note on an impact of newer vessels... Apparently the Island Class require less crew than the NIP so 6 Texada BCF crew positions are being eliminated.
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Jun 10, 2020 14:45:07 GMT -8
I.D., This Ship: Island Discovery by Mike Bonkowski, on Flickr Pun opportunity provided by the Island Disco's first revenue sailing from Texada to Westview, in afternoon on June 10, 2020.
|
|
|
Post by Dane on Jun 10, 2020 15:20:55 GMT -8
Digital ferry fanning. I mean better than nothing.
Thanks for the share.
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,171
|
Post by Neil on Jun 10, 2020 20:21:50 GMT -8
One thing I'll be looking for when I check out the B.C. Ferries website over the next while is the usual service speed. Island class vessels are rated at fourteen knots, but North Island Princess usually sailed at ten to eleven.
|
|
|
Post by hwy19man on Jun 11, 2020 3:31:23 GMT -8
Interesting side note on an impact of newer vessels... Apparently the Island Class require less crew than the NIP so 6 Texada BCF crew positions are being eliminated. "Graeme Johnston, president of the union representing ferry employees, says the old North Island Princess ran with a crew of seven, so the reduction will mean the loss of three deck hands and three engine room assistants in total for the route. Johnston says the union was surprised to learn BC Ferries had secured a lower license requirement for crew aboard the vessels on Friday."www.iheartradio.ca/cfax-1070/news/union-concerned-new-bc-ferries-vessels-will-lead-to-job-cuts-1.12655387
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,171
|
Post by Neil on Jun 11, 2020 19:12:22 GMT -8
Interesting side note on an impact of newer vessels... Apparently the Island Class require less crew than the NIP so 6 Texada BCF crew positions are being eliminated. "Graeme Johnston, president of the union representing ferry employees, says the old North Island Princess ran with a crew of seven, so the reduction will mean the loss of three deck hands and three engine room assistants in total for the route. Johnston says the union was surprised to learn BC Ferries had secured a lower license requirement for crew aboard the vessels on Friday."www.iheartradio.ca/cfax-1070/news/union-concerned-new-bc-ferries-vessels-will-lead-to-job-cuts-1.12655387I'm very surprised to learn that, as well. The North Island Princess was rated at 150 pax, Island Discovery at 300. Maybe BC Ferries is sailing her on a license for 150 as well. Clearly, there's a difference between the number of crew needed to operate a vessel, and the crew needed to tend to passengers in an emergency. Still, that's a blow to Texada's economy, although, if it's the same situation as Hornby, some of the regular crew may not actually live on the island, even though the vessel is based there.
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Jun 13, 2020 23:04:14 GMT -8
/!\ Photo Heavy /!\Welcome to the fleet, Island Discovery! Congratulations to BC Ferries, Damen, Damen Galati, and Point Hope Maritime on this milestone in the Island Class project. Photos consist of passing her predecessor off Grilse Point, departure of her inaugural sailing carrying dangerous cargo, aboard first departure from Blubber Bay with passengers, along with photos throughout the late afternoon and evening.
June 10, 2020The following images posted by this account are copyright © S.A. ~ Unauthorized use is prohibited.
BC Ferries - NIP and Island Discovery pass of Grilse Point. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery approaching Blubber Bay, Texada Island. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery approaching Blubber Bay, Texada Island. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery departs on her inaugural sailing from Blubber Bay, Texada Island. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery departs on her inaugural sailing from Blubber Bay, Texada Island. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery approaching Blubber Bay, Texada Island. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Wake, Island Discovery. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery departs Westview, Powell River. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery departs Westview, Powell River. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery en route to Westview, Powell River. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery en route to Westview, Powell River. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery approaching Westview, Powell River. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery en route to Blubber Bay, Texada Island. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery and Salish Eagle. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery en route to Westview, Powell River. by Scott, on Flickr BC Ferries - Island Discovery en route to Westview, Powell River. by Scott, on Flickr
|
|
|
Post by paulvanb on Jun 14, 2020 11:19:30 GMT -8
/!\ Photo Heavy /!\Welcome to the fleet, Island Discovery! Congratulations to BC Ferries, Damen, Damen Galati, and Point Hope Maritime on this milestone in the Island Class project. Photos consist of passing her predecessor off Grilse Point, departure of her inaugural sailing carrying dangerous cargo, aboard first departure from Blubber Bay with passengers, along with photos throughout the late afternoon and evening.
June 10, 2020The following images posted by this account are copyright © S.A. ~ Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Nice set of photos, Scott! Especially this one - the changing of the guard.
|
|
|
Post by bigcountry on Jun 14, 2020 14:50:19 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by paddlehardercafe on Jun 14, 2020 15:03:55 GMT -8
A true way to welcome her to the BC Ferry fleet ….
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2020 15:09:43 GMT -8
A true way to welcome her to the BC Ferry fleet …. That was fast....
|
|
|
Post by Starsteward on Jun 14, 2020 15:23:07 GMT -8
A true way to welcome her to the BC Ferry fleet …. That was fast.... The latest vessel to commence service in the BCFS fleet, according to "fleeting sources", reports that there is actually nothing wrong with her main engine, rather she is throwing a 'ferry-fit' claiming in raspy sobs that she, the 'Discovery', should have been the first of the three newest vessels to be place into active service. Personally, I think that's a bunch of 'bunk'. Methinks she really wanted to be a 'Queen'. Life can be a bummer when one doesn't keep their text message settings up to date eh?
|
|
|
Post by paddlehardercafe on Jun 14, 2020 22:40:01 GMT -8
One thing I'll be looking for when I check out the B.C. Ferries website over the next while is the usual service speed. Island class vessels are rated at fourteen knots, but North Island Princess usually sailed at ten to eleven. Also the sailing time, with the island class being double end, RORO, and a wee quicker, I'm sure there has to be a time savings at each end for turning, backing and reserving. Maybe 10+ mins?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2020 22:53:46 GMT -8
I think that is the whole idea of why BC Ferries are building all new ships double ended. It is not just time but also fuel.
|
|
|
Post by Curtis on Jun 24, 2020 23:33:36 GMT -8
Concerns have been brought up regarding the crewing requirements of the Island Class vessels. As you’d expect, the key concerns are about safety and the loss of jobs in the transition to a new vessel. Transport Canada approved Island Discovery and Island Aurora to operate with a crew of 5. For Route 18, this means a reduction of 2 positions while Route 25 sees a reduction of 1. Story Here: www.prpeak.com/news/powell-river-texada-ferry-staffing-draws-concern-1.24159259I did expect a reduction in crew when the Island Class arrived, but I’m surprised they got approved for 5. Especially when similarly sized minor vessels in the fleet (some of which are smaller) usually run with 6 crew. I’m reminded of the concerns Denman and Hornby residents had when they heard the plans to operate the Baynes Sound Connector with 3 crew. TC ended up approving the BSC for 4 crew in that case. (To my knowledge that hasn’t changed) Whatever the case, I’m interested to see what will happen should the union try to get these crew licenses reviewed.
|
|
|
Post by ferryfangeorge on Aug 16, 2020 18:43:06 GMT -8
I took a trip on the Island discovery. Its super quiet and i loved the ride. I am exited to see the ferry become fully electric.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2020 18:52:44 GMT -8
Welcome Ferryfan George, thank you for posting the pictures. Now before I Go further for other people on this forum if you click on the picture it will open up right side up.
I Have yet to ride on one of these new ships but with Covid I am in a waiting period before my next ferry trip but hopefully I Will get a ride on one.
|
|
|
Post by ferryfangeorge on Aug 16, 2020 18:56:26 GMT -8
Welcome Ferryfan George, thank you for posting the pictures. Now before I Go further for other people on this forum if you click on the picture it will open up right side up. I Have yet to ride on one of these new ships but with Covid I am in a waiting period before my next ferry trip but hopefully I Will get a ride on one. Thankyou for the warm welcome. I appreciate it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2020 13:28:08 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on Sept 22, 2020 17:27:25 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by Kahn_C on Sept 24, 2020 11:06:39 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by Blue Bus Fan on Sept 24, 2020 12:14:55 GMT -8
I’m surprise that Island Aurora isn’t having any problems similar to the Island Discovery.
|
|
|
Post by Curtis on Sept 25, 2020 18:08:23 GMT -8
Latest update on the Island Discovery as per the Northern Sunshine Coast FAC. She’s expected to be out at least 6 days, so the Quadra Queen II will take over Route 25 on Sunday allowing the Island Aurora to relieve Route 18 in time for start of service on Monday. Full details below.
|
|