Travel Advisory:
COVID-19 Update - Important information - Last updated January 11, 2021
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BC Ferries remains committed to ensuring coastal communities have reliable access to essential goods and supplies. Our priority is the health and safety of our customers and employees, and the company will strictly adhere to provincial and federal guidelines.
We encourage our customers to continue to heed Dr. Bonnie Henry’s advice to be calm, be kind, and be safe. Our vessel and terminal staff are working hard to adjust to changing circumstances and to implement protocols and procedures that keep everyone safe and healthy. BC Ferries does not tolerate any abuse, including verbal abuse, towards its employees. A customer who abuses an employee will be denied service.
On January 7, 2021 Dr. Bonnie Henry announced an update to the COVID-19 restrictions (in effect November 7 - February 5, 2021), for more information click here. BC Ferries advises customers to avoid non-essential travel at this time – this includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. If this new Provincial Health Officer restriction affects your travel plans please contact us to change or cancel your booking. Reservations fees for existing bookings will be refunded if travel must be cancelled as a result of Provincial Health Order (PHO) travel restrictions, please contact us in advance of travel. This applies to travel occurring during the PHO travel restriction period.
Masks are mandatory
All passengers must wear non-medical masks or face coverings when at terminals and on board ferries except:
- When inside a vehicle
- When consuming food or drinks, provided physical distancing is maintained
- Children under 2 years of age
- Medical condition or disability that inhibits the ability to wear a mask
- Persons unable to place or remove a mask without assistance
- BC Ferries employees working behind a physical barrier or within employee only areas provided physical distancing is maintained
* In the event that a passenger cannot wear a mask or face covering due to medical reasons, BC Ferries may require passengers to present documentation from a healthcare professional. This is a new Transport Canada requirement for ferry operators across Canada.
Passengers are reminded to continue to maintain physical distance while wearing a mask.
As defined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, a mask should fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops, be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen) and be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping.
Transport Canada - Closed deck regulation - reinstatement on September 30th
The temporary flexibility Transport Canada granted ferry operators that allows passengers to remain in their vehicle on enclosed vehicle decks is being rescinded by the regulator on September 30th, 2020. Transport Canada allowed this temporary flexibility earlier this summer in response to COVID-19. BC Ferries must comply with Transport Canada regulations. Starting on September 30th, passengers loaded on enclosed lower decks will be required to leave their vehicles.
Learn more about the reinstatement of the Transport Canada regulation
View frequently asked questions
Transport Canada - COVID-19 screening
For any route longer than 30 minutes, BC Ferries will screen all customers for COVID-19 symptoms and restrict travel to any customer that does not meet the screening requirements, as per the federal guidelines.
Prior to entering a BC Ferries’ terminal, customers need to answer the following questions:
- Do you have a fever and a cough?
- Do you have a fever and breathing difficulty?
- Have you been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19?
- Are you the subject of a provincial/territorial or local public health order? Note: A provincial/territorial or local public health order is typically a quarantine order issued to a person who has tested positive or is presumed positive to COVID-19
- Are you in possession of a face covering that covers your mouth and nose, and do you agree to wear this covering when outside your vehicle at terminals and while on board ferries?
If you answer yes to any of questions 1 to 4 and/or no to question 5 above, or refuse to answer any of the questions, BC Ferries will deny you boarding. Customers not displaying symptoms and under a directive to self-isolate at home may be permitted on board but will be required to maintain physical distance by remaining in their vehicle.
BC Ferries has implemented measures in order to ensure that customers with serious medical conditions and a need for time sensitive treatments are able to continue to travel. Customers can communicate their travel needs to the ticket agent when they arrive at the terminal. Reservations are recommended, but non-reserved travel will be prioritized based on the essential travel needs.
View more details on Transport Canada’s announcement
Book in advance to avoid lengthy waits as sailings are limited. Check-in processing takes longer due to screening protocols in place.
Malahat Nation
Malahat Nation is currently under a Shelter in Place order that took effect January 8, 2021.
We ask that all Mill Bay ferry customers please wear a mask when on, or transiting to BC Ferries Mill Bay terminal outside of a vehicle. Commuting customers please see the request below from Malahat Nation regarding parking on Mill Bay Road.
For further information, please see malahatnation.com.
Northern routes
For more information on our current Northern schedules, visit bcferries.com/schedules.
Many communities served by BC Ferries have issued advisories to travelers notifying them of limited supplies, healthcare equipment and resources. These communities include Haida Gwaii, Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Bella Coola. Customers should inform themselves of local situations and remain committed to essential travel only.
For more information about travel and restrictions in these northern communities, see:
- For Haida Gwaii: haidanation.ca
- For Bella Coola: bellacoola.ca
- For Bella Bella: heiltsuknation.ca
- For Klemtu please see: klemtu.com
Foot passengers
When travelling, we require customers wear a face covering onboard or in our terminals. Reservations for foot passengers are available for travel between Tsawwassen - Southern Gulf Islands and our North Coast routes, and can now be made online. On all other routes, foot passengers will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis until passenger capacity has been reached, and tickets may be purchased at the terminal.
BC Ferries Vacations
Customers with BC Ferries Vacation bookings affected by the COVID-19 restrictions (in effect November 7 - February 5, 2021) can contact us to change or cancel their booking. If you require immediate assistance, please contact BC Ferries Vacations at 1-888-223-3779 Ext. 3, or email vacations@bcferries.com. Vacations Call Centre business hours are:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
- Weekends and statutory holidays: 9 am – 5 pm
Additional information
-
Customers requiring wheelchair assistance: We are unable to provide wheelchair assistance at terminals or on board ferries. If you require a wheelchair, request one at the terminal. We ask that you travel with your own wheelchair assistant if required.
- For more information on travelling with BC Ferries during the COVID-19 Pandemic click here
Vehicles with U.S. license plates travelling on the Ferries
Canada Border Services Agency is screening people entering Canada at the borders. BC Ferries does not have a mandate to restrict travel.
We’re in this together
We are proud of the work our dedicated employees continue to provide during this situation. Crews have been taking, and will continue to take, extra measures to ensure continued safe transport of critical goods and supplies to coastal B.C. communities. If you have a chance to relay a ‘thank-you’ to our teams online, please do.
BC Ferries provides a lifeline to remote and to coastal communities in British Columbia, and will continue to provide vital services, such as delivering medical supplies and groceries to support communities.
For more information on all the steps BC Ferries is taking during COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 response page. For more information on schedules visit bcferries.com/schedules. BC Ferries hopes to resume the levels of service customers have come to expect soon.
You are a results-oriented, team-focused individual with an aptitude for customer service and computer applications, and have excellent communication skills. As a first point of contact to the public, you:
Qualifications
- Provide information and assistance regarding all aspects of BC Ferries' operations
- Respond to passenger telephone inquiries and reservation requests using computerized reservations and information systems
- Determine customer needs, input and confirm passenger information, and recommend products and services while providing professional and timely responses to customer queries
Qualifications
- Positive attitude and excellent communication skills
- One year of applied experience in sales and customer service
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency with computers and applications, including: Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Successful completion of Grade 12
As part of BC Ferries’ Staffing Pool, you maintain, monitor, and repair machinery and equipment on our ferries on a daily basis, including:
Qualifications
- Perform pre-sailing routines, conduct watchkeeping duties, and observe and record information
- Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance
- Oversee and assist in the transfer of fuel, lube oil and waste oil, and perform occasional tasks, including servicing sewage systems and purifiers
- Test fuel injectors
- Drain and clean cooling tanks
- Assist with annual refits
Qualifications
- Second Class Motor Certificate and valid Seafarer’s Medical.
You assist in the maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems of our ferries on a daily basis, including:
Qualifications
- Monitor and maintain machinery
- Provide watch relief
- Conduct rounds
- Perform general housekeeping duties
- Assist engineers with maintenance work
- Safety checks, drills and meetings
Qualifications
- Marine Emergency Courses Survival Craft and STCW Basic Safety
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
- Fourth Class Motor Certificate or Engine Room Rating Certificate (preferred) or completion of pre-apprenticeship Diesel Course or equivalent relative education and experience
You prepare and serve a variety of foods and beverages while ensuring cleanliness of the interior passenger and crew areas of our ferries on a daily basis, including:
Qualifications
- Assist with the presentation of hot and cold menu items
- Take food and beverage orders and relay order to the galley
- Clear and clean tables and chairs in the passenger areas
- Perform housekeeping and major cleaning routines throughout the ferry
- Prepare food service facilities for opening
- Provide a variety of information to passengers
Qualifications
- Successful completion of Grade 12
- Food Safe Level 1 or HAACP Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
- Occupational First Aid Level 3
- Serving it Right certifications may be required on certain ferries
Working on a casual, on-call basis, you maintain, monitor, and repair machinery and equipment on the ferry, plus:
Qualifications
- Perform pre-sailing routines, conduct watchkeeping duties, and observe and record information
- Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance
- Oversee and assist in the transfer of fuel, lube oil, and waste oil, and perform occasional tasks including servicing sewage systems and purifiers
- Test fuel injectors
- Drain and clean injector cooling tanks
- Assist with annual refits as required
Qualifications
- First, Second, Third or Fourth Class Motor Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
You maintain, monitor, and repair machinery and equipment on the ferry on a daily basis, including:
Qualifications
- Perform pre-sailing routines, conduct watchkeeping duties, and observe and record information
- Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance
- Oversee and assist in the transfer of fuel, lube oil and waste oil
- Perform occasional tasks including servicing sewage systems and purifiers
- Test fuel injectors
- Drain and clean injector cooling tanks
- Assist with annual refits as required
Qualifications
- Second Class Motor Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
As part of BC Ferries’ Staffing Pool, you maintain, monitor, and repair machinery and equipment on the ferry on a daily basis, including:
Qualifications
- Perform pre-sailing routines, conduct watchkeeping duties, and observe and record information
- Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance
- Oversee and assist in the transfer of fuel, lube oil and waste oil, and perform occasional tasks including servicing sewage systems and purifiers
- Test fuel injectors
- Drain and clean injector cooling tanks
- Assist with annual refits as required
Qualifications
- Third Class Motor Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
Working on a casual, on-call basis, you serve as Executive Officer in the conduct of deck department activities, including:
Qualifications
- Loading/unloading vehicles and passengers
- Navigation and ship husbandry
- Passenger/Vehicle safety
- Equipment inspections
- Respond to emergency situations
- Supervise crew in the delegation of duties
- Provide training in crew fire, safety and boat drills
Qualifications
- You are knowledgeable in applicable navigation equipment and techniques; international, federal and provincial regulations, safety and emergency procedures, and ship-handling principles
- Master Mariner or Master, Near Coastal Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
Working on a casual, on-call basis, you serve as an Officer in the conduct of deck department activities, including:
Qualifications
- Loading/Unloading vehicles and passengers
- Navigation and ship husbandry
- Passenger/Vehicle safety
- Equipment inspections
- Responding to emergency situations; supervising crew in the delegation of duties; and providing training in crew fire, safety, and boat drills.
Qualifications
- You are knowledgeable in applicable navigation equipment and techniques; international, federal and provincial regulations, safety and emergency procedures, and ship-handling principles.
- Chief Mate or Near Coastal Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
You serve as an Officer in the conduct of deck department activities, including:
Qualifications
- Loading/Unloading vehicles and passengers
- Navigation
- Ship husbandry
- Passenger/Vehicle safety
- Equipment inspections
- Responding to emergency situations; supervising crew in the delegation of duties; and providing training in crew fire, safety, and boat drills.
Qualifications
- You are knowledgeable in applicable navigation equipment and techniques; international, federal and provincial regulations, safety and emergency procedures, and ship-handling principles.
- Chief Mate or Near Coastal Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
You prepare and cook hot and cold foods, using grilling, oven and/or deep frying equipment. You also:
Qualifications
- Perform cleaning duties, including straining oil in deep fryers, cleaning grill surfaces and grease trays
- Mop galley floors and clean appliances, deckheads and bulkheads as required
- Assist in other areas of the galley including taking over the steam table, making toast, deep-fried food, sandwiches, and salads, and washing dishes
Qualifications
- One-year Culinary Arts program
- Two-year apprenticeship
As a primary point of contact to the public, you load and unload vehicle and passenger traffic, steer, control, and maintain the ferry, and provide general ships husbandry and ferry maintenance duties. You also:
Qualifications
- Patrol the ferry for unusual situations and potential safety hazards
- Ensure passenger compliance with regulations
- Perform docking procedures
- Conduct vehicle counts and safety equipment checks
Qualifications
- STCW Basic Safety (MED A1 and MED B2)
- Survival Craft (MED B1)
- Valid Seafarer's Medical
- Bridge Watch Rating certificate
You are enthusiastic and reliable, performing traffic control, baggage, and custodian duties. You also:
Qualifications
- Direct traffic during loading/unloading procedures
- Maintain terminal buildings and grounds
- Communicate with other shipboard and terminal staff to ensure the safe and efficient loading and unloading of ferry traffic
- Respond to passenger queries
Qualifications
- Valid BC Driver's License
You are a positive, customer-focused individual responsible for calculating and collecting fares from walk-on passengers. You also:
- Respond to passenger inquiries
- Provide schedule and route information
- Direct passengers and arrange for passenger assistance as necessary.
- Perform revenue procedures and ensure the ticket booth is stocked with necessary revenue and transaction documents
You are a dynamic team player that provides cleaning, routine maintenance and security for the terminal, while assisting with ferry loading, unloading and docking. You participate in:
Qualifications
- Safety drills
- Performing routine inspections
- Identifying and reporting security breaches and potential hazards
- Updating files and manuals and maintaining activity logs
- Providing information and assistance to customers
Qualifications
- Valid BC Driver's License
- Operation of a forklift may be required
You unload stores from trucks, checking quality and quantity against invoices. You also:
- Check invoice prices and highlight discrepancies, ensuring rotation of stock
- Pick up and compile orders, issue stores to the various departments and ferries
- Maintain the warehouse and inventory
- Clean equipment and operate vehicles and hoists to deliver goods to the ferries
- Answer warehouse telephones and respond to inquiries regarding menu requirements, shipments, special orders and storage
- Perform all duties in a way that is safe for co-workers
Casual roles
Casual employees are required to be available on-call, as required, with no guarantee of minimum hours. Most positions involve shiftwork. Casual assignments are frequently given with short notice, and most casual employees live close to where they work.
You will maintain, monitor, and repair machinery and equipment on the ferry on a daily basis, plus:
Qualifications
- Perform pre-sailing routines and watchkeeping duties
- Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance
- Oversee and assist in the transfer of fuel, lube oil, and waste oil, and perform occasional tasks including servicing sewage systems and purifiers
- Test fuel injectors
- Drain and clean injector cooling tanks
- Assist with annual refits as required
Qualifications
- First, Second, Third or Fourth Class Motor Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
You serve as Executive Officer in the conduct of deck department activities, including:
Qualifications
- Loading/unloading vehicles and passengers
- Navigation
- Ship husbandry
- Passenger/vehicle safety
- Equipment inspections
- Respond to emergency situations
- Supervise crew in the delegation of duties
- Provide training in crew fire, safety, and boat drills
- You are knowledgeable of applicable navigation equipment and techniques; international, federal and provincial regulations, safety and emergency procedures, and ship-handling principles
Qualifications
- Master Mariner or Master, Near Coastal Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical.
You serve as an Officer in the conduct of deck department activities, including:
Qualifications
- Loading/unloading vehicles and passengers
- Navigation
- Ship husbandry
- Passenger/vehicle safety
- Equipment inspections
- Respond to emergency situations
- Supervise crew in the delegation of duties
- Provide training in crew fire, safety, and boat drills
- You are knowledgeable of applicable navigation equipment and techniques; international, federal and provincial regulations; safety and emergency procedures; and ship-handling principles.
Qualifications
- Chief Mate
- Chief Mate, Near Coastal Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
Permanent roles
Permanent employees work a set number of hours each month. Some positions may involve shiftwork.Working on an on-call basis with varying shifts, you are a results-oriented, team-focused individual with an aptitude for customer service and computer applications and have excellent communication skills.
As a first point of contact to the public, you:
Qualifications
As a first point of contact to the public, you:
- Provide information and assistance regarding all aspects of BC Ferries' operations
- Respond to passenger telephone inquiries and reservation requests using computerized reservations and information systems
- Determine customer needs, input and confirm passenger information, and recommend products and services while providing professional, timely responses to customer queries
Qualifications
- Positive attitude and a minimum six months of customer service experience
You maintain, monitor, and repair machinery and equipment on the ferry, including:
Qualifications
- Perform pre-sailing routines, conduct watchkeeping duties, and observe and record information
- Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance
- Oversee and assist in the transfer of fuel, lube oil, and waste oil, and perform occasional tasks including servicing sewage systems and purifiers
- Test fuel injectors
- Drain and clean injector cooling tanks
- Assist with annual refits as required
Qualifications
- Second Class Motor Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
You assist in the maintenance of the mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems of ferries, including:
Qualifications
- Monitor and maintain machinery
- Provide watch relief and conduct rounds
- General housekeeping duties
- Assist engineers with maintenance work
- Perform safety checks and ensure emergency systems are in order
- Participate in emergency and safety drills and attend safety meetings
Qualifications
- Marine Emergency Courses Survival Craft and STCW Basic Safety
- Fourth Class Motor Certificate or Engine Room Rating Certificate (preferred) or completion of pre-apprenticeship Diesel Course or equivalent relative education and experience
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
You prepare and serve a variety of foods and beverages while ensuring cleanliness of the interior passenger and crew areas of our ferries on a daily basis, including:
Qualifications
- Assist with the presentation of hot and cold menu items
- Take food and beverage orders and relay order to the galley
- Clear and clean tables and chairs in the passenger areas
- Perform housekeeping and major cleaning routines throughout the ferry
- Prepare food service facilities for opening
- Provide a variety of information to passengers
Qualifications
- Successful completion of Grade 12
- Food Safe Level 1 or HAACP Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
- Occupational First Aid Level 3
- Serving it Right certifications may be required on certain ferries
As part of BC Ferries’ Staffing Pool, you maintain, monitor, and repair machinery and equipment on our ferries on a daily basis, including:
Qualifications
- Perform pre-sailing routines, conduct watchkeeping duties, and observe and record information
- Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance
- Oversee and assist in the transfer of fuel, lube oil and waste oil and perform occasional tasks, including service sewage systems and purifiers
- Test fuel injectors
- Drain and clean injector cooling tanks
- Assist with annual refits as required
Qualifications
- Second Class Motor Certificate and valid Seafarer’s Medical
As part of BC Ferries’ Staffing Pool, you maintain, monitor, and repair machinery and equipment on the ferry on a daily basis, including:
Qualifications
- Perform pre-sailing routines, conduct watchkeeping duties, and observe and record information.
- Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance
- Oversee and assist in the transfer of fuel, lube oil, and waste oil, and perform occasional tasks including servicing sewage systems and purifiers
- Test fuel injectors
- Drain and clean injector cooling tanks
- Assist with annual refits as required
Qualifications
- Third Class Motor Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
You serve as an Officer in the conduct of deck department activities, including:
Qualifications
- Loading/unloading vehicles and passengers
- Navigation
- Ship husbandry
- Passenger/vehicle safety
- Equipment inspections
- Respond to emergency situations
- Supervise crew in the delegation of duties
- Provide training in crew fire, safety, and boat drills
Qualifications
- You are knowledgeable of applicable navigation equipment and techniques; international, federal and provincial regulations, safety and emergency procedures, and ship-handling principles
- Chief Mate, Near Coastal Certificate
- Valid Seafarer’s Medical
You prepare and cook hot and cold foods, using grilling, oven and/or deep-frying equipment. You also:
Qualifications
- Perform cleaning duties including straining oil in deep fryers, cleaning grill surfaces and grease trays
- Mop galley floors and clean appliances, deckheads and bulkheads as required
- Assist in other areas of the galley including taking over the steam table, making toast, deep-fried food, sandwiches and salads, and wash dishes
Qualifications
- One-year Culinary Arts program
- Two-year apprenticeship
As a primary point of contact to the public, you load and unload vehicle and passenger traffic; steer, control, and maintain the ferry; and provide general ships husbandry and ferry maintenance duties. You also:
Qualifications
- Patrol the ferry for unusual situations and potential safety hazards
- Ensure passenger compliance with regulations
- Perform docking procedures
- Conduct vehicle counts and safety equipment checks
Qualifications
- STCW Basic Safety (MED A1 and MED B2)
- Survival Craft (MED B1)
- Valid Seafarer's Medical
- Bridge Watch Rating certificate
You are enthusiastic and reliable, performing traffic control, baggage, and custodian duties. You also:
Qualifications
- Direct traffic during loading/unloading procedures
- Maintain terminal buildings and grounds
- Communicate with other shipboard and terminal staff to ensure the safe and efficient loading and discharge of ferry traffic
- Respond to passenger queries
Qualifications
- Valid BC Driver's License
You are a positive, customer-focused individual responsible for calculating and collecting fares from walk-on passengers. You will:
- Respond to passenger inquiries
- Provide schedule and route information
- Direct passengers; and arrange for passenger assistance as necessary
- Revenue procedures and ensure the ticket booth is stocked with necessary revenue and transaction documents
You are a dynamic team player providing cleaning, routine maintenance, and security for the terminal, while assisting with ferry loading, unloading, and docking. You will:
Qualifications
- Participate in safety drills
- Perform routine inspections
- Identify and report security breaches and potential hazards
- Update files and manuals and maintain activity logs
- Provide information and assistance to customers
Qualifications
- Valid BC Driver's License
- Operation of a fork lift may be required
All applicants must be a:
hr@bcferries.com
Phone 250-978-1187
Fax 250-978-1225
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Minimum of 16 years of age for shore-based jobs
- Minimum of 18 years of age for ferry-based positions
Contact us
We're here to help. If you have any questions about job qualifications, you can reach us at:hr@bcferries.com
Phone 250-978-1187
Fax 250-978-1225