B.C. Ferries is advising passengers to plan ahead if they hope to catch a ferry this Easter long weekend, typically one of the busiest travel times of the year.
Weekend traffic is expected to be similar to pre-COVID levels, spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said Thursday.
Extra sailings have been added to meet demand, but that’s dependent on sufficient staff levels to ensure the ferries can run. As of Thursday, no cancellations had been reported, but staff shortages have resulted in some sailings being cancelled over the past several months.
Transport Canada rules requires a minimum number of crew members — who have all been trained in safety procedures — to be onboard a vessel.
Marshall said absenteeism among staff has begun to spike again. “People have been calling in sick and with this new [COVID-19] variant, which is the right thing to do,” she said. “We certainly don’t have the resiliency that we used to have as far as being able to backfill positions.
“I know the crew is working very hard. We do have some employees working overtime and we certainly thank them for doing that.”
If there are any cancellations, B.C. Ferries will try to give as much notice as possible, she said.
Additional sailings started Thursday on the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay run. Beginning Friday, there will be extra service on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay and Horseshoe Bay to Langdale routes, Marshall said.
B.C. Ferries said on social media that customers without reservations could experience waits at terminals.
For those who are not booking ahead, it recommends travelling at less busy times or walking on board instead of bringing a vehicle.
The most popular travel times are expected to be Thursday evening, Friday morning and Monday afternoon.
Anyone with a reservation should show up at the terminal 46 to 60 minutes prior to sailing.
Customers walking on board should arrive 45 minutes before their sailing.
Walk-ons can book in advance on sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
B.C. Ferries urges passengers to check current conditions on the day they are travelling if they do not have a booking.
Go to B.C. Ferries’ website to check current conditions and routes.
Masks are recommended on the vessels but are not mandatory.
Passengers are allowed to remain in their vehicles if they are on the upper car deck, but not in the lower decks.
