B.C. Ferries is reminding boaters they can help make the summer sailing season a safe one by sharing coastal waters responsibly.
Mariners will see more ferries more frequently on the corporation’s routes as B.C. Ferries ramps up its summer sailings.
Boaters near B.C. Ferries terminals should use caution and ensure they don’t impede ferries approaching or departing berths or passing through narrow channels such as Active Pass.
B.C. Ferries’ 34-vessel fleet covers the entire B.C. coast with about 500 daily sailings, so ferry crews can often respond to maritime emergencies when requested by the Canadian Coast Guard.
“Our crews are highly trained and conduct a variety of drills such as fire, evacuation and man-overboard scenarios on a regular basis,” said Capt. Jamie Marshall, vice-president of B.C. Ferries fleet operations. “We respond to approximately 24 marine emergencies per year and generally these types of incidents increase in the summer months when more pleasure boaters take to the water.”
B.C. Ferries ships stand by on VHF marine radio channel 16 (calling channel) and the appropriate VHF vessel traffic channel for their area; these channels are: for Victoria, VHF 11; traffic for Vancouver Harbour and Howe Sound, VHF 12; and traffic for the former Comox Area of Responsibility, VHF 71.
Learn more about B.C. Ferries schedules at www.bcferries.com.
For safe boating tips, visit http://bit.ly/1qykLmq.