Gary Coons, the MLA for the North Coast and NDP ferry critic, doesn’t really need much help in finding difficulties with BC Ferries, but when the issues present themselves as front page stories of numerous troubles then his job gets significantly easier.
Coons has been quick to express concern over the upcoming revisited refit of the BC Ferry Northern Adventure, which will be out of service on the North coast from May 9-May 19.
With a lengthy list of constituent concerns about the ferry introduced to the north coast less than a month ago, the MLA is suggesting that BC Ferries wasn’t properly prepared to bring the ferry into service.
With last years tourist season left in such disarray due to the sinking of the Queen of the North, Coons is finding that a sense of apprehension is forming again along the coast about potential limits on service.
The Daily News provided front page exposure to the story of the Northern Adventure and the MLA’s concerns over the state of ferry services on the North coast.
ADVENTURE IS SHORT-LIVED FOR NEW NORTH COAST FERRY
A matter of weeks after arriving, the Northern Adventure is in need of a refit
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Monday, April 30, 2007
Pages one and three
After less than a month on her North Coast runs, the M/V Northern Adventure is being pulled out of service for a refit.
In a press release sent out Friday, B. C. Ferries said the vessel will be pulled out of service from May 9 to 19 and refitted at B. C. Ferries' Deas Pacific Marine Facility in Richmond.
While the company tried to categorize the refit as one that simply addresses "some issues following the initial introduction to the fleet," North Coast MLA Gary Coons said the problems are quite serious.
"The release makes it sound like the ship needs a new coat of paint, but it's more serious than that." said Coons, who is the NDP's ferry critic.
"The ship has apparently experienced problems with its electrical systems, its alarm systems aren't working properly, the public address system has experienced failures, and fire equipment and life raft systems still need work.
"There's also no working elevator or escalator."
"These aren't benign "issues"," said Coons. "They're serious safety concerns."
There has also been the "issue" of the sewage system backing up, which is not just disgusting, but a legitimate health concern, Coons said.
The problems have been so prevalent that the new vessel has been nicknamed the Northern Mis-Adventure by some passengers.
The ship only managed three round-trips to the Queen Charlottes and one Port Hardy/Prince Rupert trip before teething problems emerged and the ferry was docked in Prince Rupert for 30 hours while technicians scrambled to fix problems.
Coons said the news that the Northern Adventure is heading back for a refit is a major embarrassment for B. C. Ferries, and shows they didn't properly plan for the transition period for the vessel.
Communities up and down the coast and on the North Island already went through one summer tourist season with just one vessel on the route. As the 2007 summer season approaches, tour operators are now apprehensive about limited service again, said Coons.
"This is a serious blunder that could have serious ramifications for coastal residents who depend on their marine highway system."
The Northern Adventure was bought for $51 million after the Queen of the North rammed into Gil Island and sank 13 months ago, killing two people.
In March, after a $9 million refit at Victoria shipyards, the Greek-built ship, which holds 600 passengers and 101 vehicles, was rechristened Northern Adventure.
The vessel, which was built in 2004, was greeted in April by northern tourism operators as the saviour of this year's tourist season.
Coons has been getting anonymous calls from staff about safety management, training, and the variances that were approved by Transport Canada to allow the vessel to sail.
The Queen of Prince Rupert just finished a five-week refit and the vessel is now fully ready to return to service as the summer season approaches.
During the refit, the North Coast will once again be served solely by the Queen of Prince Rupert.
"We need to ensure our vessels are safe and affordable and reliable," said Coons.
"And there are questions about the Queen of the North being rushed out of refit."
The Northern Adventure is expected to return to service May 20.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment