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Global mariner shortage hampers BC Ferries91Ƶ bid to hire more than 100

Corporation cancelled two sailings, replaced another this week amid staffing concerns
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BC Ferries91Ƶ Swartz Bay terminal north of Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)

BC Ferries is actively seeking more than 100 new staff while suffering the impacts of a global shortage of experienced mariners.

91ƵWe are actively recruiting for approximately 60 officer and 50 other key positions to create even greater redundancy in the system. Unfortunately, the global shortage means qualified mariners are very difficult to find,91Ƶ said Mark Collins, president and CEO.

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The corporation cancelled two evening trips between Victoria and Vancouver on Aug. 4 as three ships officers were off sick. BC Ferries moves crew to different locations as required. In this case, the three remaining officers were at the same location, making it challenging to find enough replacements on short notice, Collins explained in a statement.

On Friday, a round-trip sailing between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen on the same ferry was also cancelled because of staffing. In that case, the Coastal Celebration replaced the Queen of New Westminster.

91ƵOur safety is important to us, and we require a specific number of crew members on board the vessel to ensure the safety of our passengers in the unlikely event of an emergency and to comply with Transport Canada regulations,91Ƶ BC Ferries said in a statement at the time.

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c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca


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Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

Longtime journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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