BC Ferries cancellations expected this summer amid staffing shortage

BC Ferries is warning that this summer’s sailing season is expected to be impacted by low staffing levels.

This drop-in staffing has been felt throughout the recent fall and winter season, but BC Ferries says its impact may be more significant in the next couple of months since restrictions have been easing.

An unexpected number of retirements has impacted staffing and — like many other sectors — the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role.

However, filling in the gaps has not been easy, BC Ferries says.

“The impact of vaccination policies and difficulties recruiting international candidates due to COVID-19, as well as the 25-year global shortage of professional mariners are expected to pose ongoing challenges to hiring sufficient employees for what is expected to be a busier than usual peak summer season,” a statement reads.

Our goal is to minimize service disruptions and communicate changes to service with as much advanced notice as possible.

Booking your travel in advance is recommended. For the latest information on your day of travel, check #CurrentConditions https://t.co/CxO820luQN

— BC Ferries | Reconnecting BC (@BCFerries) March 25, 2022

To add to the challenges, more British Columbians are travelling during the spring and fall to avoid the traditional peak summer season.

“The flow of travellers off Vancouver Island in slow travel periods is also an emerging trend,” BC Ferries adds.

So BC Ferries plans to provide additional service on some routes that may be impacted by these challenges.

In an effort to make up this for this shortage, BC Ferries says recruitment efforts are underway to quickly fill in the gaps, including:

• “Longstanding annual investment of approximately $23 million a year on internal development and training
• Undertaking a significant recruitment push including presence at multiple career fairs
• Collaborating with agencies like WorkBC and others to attract qualified candidates
• Reaching out to retired employees to bring them back for the short term”

While BC Ferries is working to minimize any impact to travellers, isolated sailing could be cancelled, it warns.

As for advice to passengers, travel when it’s not busy, try to travel as a foot passenger, book in advance, arrive early and get your consistent updates on the BC Ferries website.