BC Ferries are trimming their schedule on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route, effective Jan. 28 in a bid to avoid further crewing shortages. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FERRY CROSSINGS

“Crewing challenges” force temporary change to Nanaimo-Vancouver ferry service

Jan 20, 2022 | 4:51 PM

NANAIMO — BC Ferries are adjusting their schedule in a bid to dart around continued crew issues.

Effective Friday, Jan. 28, the company will operate just six sailings from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay Monday to Thursday, with the earliest leaving at 6:15 a.m and latest departing at 5:55 p.m.

Additional departures at 8:45 p.m. and 10:10 p.m. are included on Friday, Saturday and Sunday schedules, along with Thursday, Feb. 17 and Monday, Feb. 21 which flank the Family Day long weekend.

Just five return trips from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver are regularly scheduled Monday to Thursday, the last of which leaves at 3:45 p.m. Three extra sailings are added for the aforementioned weekend and Family Day dates.

“Due to the expected crewing challenges in the months ahead, and in an effort to provide reliable ferry service, service adjustments have been made on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay, Horseshoe Bay – Langdale and Earls Cove – Saltery Bay routes,” a release from BC Ferries noted.

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The service changes on the route will be in place until at least the end of February.

During normal service, seven-round trips are typically offered between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay Monday to Thursday, with eight on the schedule Friday’s and through the weekend.

BC Ferries previously noted a combination of seasonal illness, COVID-19 and winter storms may result in reduced service.

However many of the changes were expected to be on smaller, inter-Island routes.

BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall previously told NanaimoNewsNOW in early January the company requires a certain number of crew members on each ship, in order to be allowed to sail by Transport Canada.

Service between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay was cancelled for early morning crossings on Sunday, Jan. 16 due to similar staffing issues.

An updated schedule from BC Ferries for the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay route, taking effect Jan. 28 through Feb. 28. (BC Ferries)

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