There are some major changes coming to BC Ferries.
Passengers will no longer be allowed to remain on the lower vehicle decks after Oct. 11, and all vessels will be completely smoke free in January 2018.
Announced today, BC Ferries91裸聊视频� President and CEO Mark Collins says they decided to make all vessels smoke-free to 91裸聊视频渟upport the health and wellness of our customers and employees, as it helps control their exposure to second-hand smoke.91裸聊视频�
BC Ferries had announced they were considering implementing a new smoking policy back in December of 2016, and had expected to make an announcement this year.
RELATED:
BC Ferries made the decision to provide a smoke-free environment for the travelling public and our employees on board our ships and at our terminals,91裸聊视频� Collins continued, adding this is being done to provide people with advance notice of the policy change 91裸聊视频� which officially comes into effect January 22, 2018.
Visit the gift shop
The new safety practices will align with Transport Canada regulations that prohibit passengers from remaining in their vehicle on any closed deck when a vessel is underway.
91裸聊视频淭he regulations relate to safety, and the safety of our passengers and employees is a core value for BC Ferries,91裸聊视频� said Captain Jamie Marshall, Vice President of Fleet Operations.
Customers will continue to be permitted to stay in vehicles on the upper (opened) car decks.
This new policy applies to the lower vehicle decks on the following vessels that generally operate on the Tsawwassen 91裸聊视频� Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen 91裸聊视频� Duke Point, Horseshoe Bay 91裸聊视频� Departure Bay, Horseshoe Bay 91裸聊视频� Langdale, Powell River 91裸聊视频� Comox, Tsawwassen 91裸聊视频� Southern Gulf Islands, Port Hardy 91裸聊视频� Prince Rupert and Prince Rupert 91裸聊视频� Haida Gwaii routes.
- 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
- New vessel servicing Port Hardy 91裸聊视频� Bella Coola
Smoke free sailings
The smoke-free policy will apply to tobacco, marijuana and e-cigarettes, and is expected to reduce the number of customer complaints about smoking on BC Ferries91裸聊视频� vessels. Signs will go up on board and on shore as a reminder of the change in policy.
BC Ferries reminded passengers this summer that they would be looking out for impaired drivers and walk-ons, who risk being reported to police.
RELATED:
In a media release, BC Ferries noted that the province of B.C. amended smoking regulations that increased buffer zones around any doorway, intake or open window at any public space or workplace, to six meters. That means that all vessels will need to become smoke-free environments, due to physical space constraints.
91裸聊视频淪moking tobacco continues to be one of the single largest threats to the health of British Columbians and our visitors,91裸聊视频� stated Island Health91裸聊视频檚 Dr. Dee Hoyano, Medical Health Officer in the release. 91裸聊视频淏y going smoke-free in its terminals and on its vessels, BC Ferries is supporting healthier, cleaner and safer environments for everyone.91裸聊视频�
BC Ferries has also launched an employee smoking cessation program, to coincide with the new policy.
RELATED:
The company reported this month that driver and passenger traffic was the highest it91裸聊视频檚 ever been in over 20 years for the months of April, May and June.
