Shortage of experienced mariners not only a problem for BC Ferries
When three ship’s officers called in sick earlier this week, a pair of BC Ferries sailings had to be cancelled. The company’s president and CEO blamed the issue, in part, on a global shortage of experienced mariners, something other maritime industries say they’ve noticed, as well.
“Our pool is definitely getting smaller,” said Kevin Obermeyer, CEO of Pacific Pilotage Authority. “Up and down the coast, what we used to call the ‘mom and pop’ operations – the small tug and tow operations – are declining.”
Those types of companies are where most mariners start their careers on the water, according to Obermeyer.
Finding qualified personnel to pilot cargo ships up and down the coast hasn’t yet become a problem for Pacific Pilotage Authority, Obermeyer said. Pilots are well compensated, and over the last five years, the authority has hired three captains away from BC Ferries, he added.
“Yes, it does seem to be a global problem and it does seem to be getting worse,” said Obermeyer. “BC Ferries, of course, needs master mariners and master mariners on this coast are not that common.”
Typically, BC Ferries pulls from a pool of available crew members to fill gaps when workers call in sick or take vacation time. This week, there was no pool to pull from on short notice, according to Mark Collins, the company’s president and CEO.
But the union that represents BC Ferries workers says the problem isn’t just a global shortage of mariners.
Dan Kimmerly is the ship’s officers component president for the BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union. He says BC Ferries isn’t willing to put resources toward the development of its existing employees and instead relies on outside recruitment to fill ship’s officer positions.
“The situation has slowly become critical over the years,” Kimmerly said. “It’s only going to get worse without BC Ferries taking action to improve wages and develop internally.”
BC Ferries says it’s looking to hire 60 officers and 50 other key positions as quickly as possible in hopes of avoiding more cancellations like the ones that happened earlier this week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blockade briefly stops Pride Parade in downtown Winnipeg
A group of protesters briefly blocked the Winnipeg Pride Parade on Sunday.
'The legacy I want to leave:' Mother with Stage 4 cancer advocates for survivors
People around the world are observing National Cancer Survivor Day, an annual celebration held to honour patients who have been through the often difficult and traumatic experience of living with cancer.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Ryan Reynolds has declared 'War of the Popcorn Buckets.' He's honestly onto something
Ryan Reynolds this week unveiled arguably the most anticipated and sure-to-be coveted merchandise tied to his upcoming 'Deadpool' sequel: the movie’s novelty popcorn bucket.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Motorcycle doing wheelies, weaving in, out of traffic caught on Highway 417
A motorcycle driver is facing charges after being caught on Highway 417 doing wheelies and weaving in and out of traffic, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says.
Trump's attacks on U.S. justice system after his conviction could be used by autocrats, say experts
After his historic guilty verdict in his hush money case, Donald Trump attacked the U.S. criminal justice system, making unfounded claims of a "rigged" trial that echoed remarks from the Kremlin.
A CBSA strike could soon snarl border traffic. Here’s what you need to know
Just as the summer travel season gets into gear, Canadians and visitors could find themselves waiting in long lines at the border — delays that could also deal a blow to the economy.
Oilers expect Stars to push back in Game 6 of Western Conference final
With the chance to close to set a date with the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup final, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch believes his team will have to step up their efforts even more. What was good enough Friday in Dallas won’t be good enough in Game 6.