BC Ferries warns of staff shortages, service disruptions in the coming months

VICTORIA — BC Ferries says a combination of the fast-spreading Omicron COVID-19 variant, a global shortage of mariners, severe weather and the flu season has the potential to disrupt ferry service over the next few months. 

The company says in a statement that the problem may hit inter-island routes hardest. 

It says crewing regulations require that positions on ferries be filled with the appropriate crew or a vessel can’t sail. 

Even if a small number of crew don’t show up, it says finding replacements can be difficult.