Washington ferry staffing shortages could lead to longer wait times over Labor Day weekend
Western Washington residents looking to hop on a ferry over the long Labor Day weekend should be expecting longer wait times and potential last-minute cancelations.
Up against a staffing shortage, Washington State Ferries (WSF) is warning riders that they may experience long vehicle boarding lines and disrupted sailing schedules over the holiday weekend. In addition to challenges hiring crew, the agency is also facing staff quarantines due to confirmed COVID-19 cases, putting more strain on staffing levels.
"Our dispatch team is working in overdrive to staff our vessels with some crew needing to quarantine, with many crewmembers holding over and working beyond their scheduled shifts to keep our vessels in service," said WSF Assistant Secretary Patty Rubstello in a news release Tuesday. "In addition, like many industries, the maritime sector, both locally and internationally, is facing a shortage of experienced employees and many marine transportation systems are dealing with a staffing shortfall. We continue to recruit new employees, but we’re struggling to find qualified mariners."
The state's ferry fleet has been stretched thin during the high-volume summer months after the Wenatchee, which can hold 202 vehicles, was taken out of service following an engine room fire in April. The loss of the Wenatchee had "cascading effects" across the entire system, resulting in fewer sailings and smaller-sized vessels in operation.
https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/washington-ferry-delays-labor-day-weekend-2021-16428144.php