All BC Ferries employees now must be vaccinated against COVID
Posted February 28, 2022 10:09 am.
Last Updated March 1, 2022 4:42 am.
The vaccination requirement for BC Ferries crew has now expanded to include all employees. Those who are not immunized will be placed on leave.
It’s unclear what this will mean for passengers who have already been impacted by dozens of sailing cancellations since December due to several factors, including the Omicron variant and the vaccine mandates already in place for on-board crew.
The staffing issues have also come at a time when there is a worldwide shortage of trained mariners.
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Transport Canada continues to require a minimum number of trained crew per sailing for safety reasons.
BC Ferries has changed several sailings between Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast due to crewing issues. (BC Ferries)
On Sunday, BC Ferries warned passengers of more impacts to the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale route which services the Sunshine Coast, as well as Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay routes.
BC Ferries is advising passengers of fewer sailings over Spring Break and until at least the end of March as a result of crewing challenges. An earlier service notice for those routes leaving the West Vancouver terminal were set to expire Feb. 28, but the ongoing issues prompted an extension.
Passengers planning to take a ferry between Earls Cove and Saltery Bay are also warned of service disruptions, with all afternoon and evening sailings adjusted until March 31.
