Kimberly Kelly is the first woman at the helm of the ferry from Protection Island and Nanaimo. (submitted/Kimberly Kelly)

By Spencer Sterritt

Ferry service

First female skipper in 30 years takes to the waters between Nanaimo and Protection Island

Mar 5, 2020 | 8:44 AM

NANAIMO — There’s someone new at the helm of the ferry from Protection Island to Nanaimo.

Life-long boater Kimberly Kelly’s first official trip for the Protection Island Ferry Service shuttling people back and forth is March 10.

She said it’s appropriate to announce her new job just in time for International Women’s Day.

“I feel like I’m…demonstrating to my daughter that anything really is possible in terms of a career choice and it can happen at any time.”

Kelly was a communications specialist for roughly 20 years and said she wanted to develop more practical skills.

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“It really gives some more seasoned folks something to think about when someone mid-career and female would make this transition. It demonstrates it’s something desirable and a profession worthy of some respect as well.”

The ferry leaves Protection Island every hour and leaves Nanaimo 10 minutes later to shuttle people to the small island.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit