By Canadian Press

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

Jan 10, 2022 | 11:35 AM

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. 

BC Ferries says it has a pool of staff in reserve and cross-trains crew members, but there will be times when the company will have to change its service. 

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It says no schedule is expected to be suspended completely, but routes may be operated on a modified schedule. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2022.

The Canadian Press