This week onwards, RCMP officers will be on board some BC Ferries vessels to educate passengers on safety rules and to enforce regulations.
BC Ferries and Transport Canada have requested support from RCMP to conduct joint ‘on board’ ferry walkabouts to enforce regulation that requires ferry passengers to exit their vehicles on enclosed vehicle decks and stay in designated passenger areas while the ferry is operating.
This rule does not apply to open vehicle decks where passengers can remain in their vehicles on ferries.
The RCMP will assist BC Ferries to checks vehicle decks to ensure that passengers are following the regulations.
In March, passengers were allowed to remain in their vehicles on enclosed vehicle decks as the health risks associated to COVID-19 were unknown.
However, that change was overturned by BC Ferries.
Remaining in a vehicle on an enclosed vehicle deck while a ferry is operating is not safe for passengers and has been banned internationally, BC Ferries said.
If necessary, an administrative monetary penalty can be issued to non-compliant passengers.
“We are committed to public safety and security and want to support the Provincial and Federal governments’ response to the pandemic in every capacity,” BC Ferries said.
“The BC RCMP have existing protocols and procedures that deal with emergency situations, and that includes pandemics.”
