As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, operational guidelines call for regular and frequent safety drills for all crew members on every ship.
Over 1,000 drills will be conducted this year to ensure the highest safety standards for BC Ferries’ vessels and crews.
In the event of an emergency, always follow the instructions of ship’s personnel. Please note that in the case of an emergency, vehicle access may be prohibited.
Emergency signals
The following signals are used to crew members to an emergency:
- Emergency stations
Continuous sounding of the alarm bell.
- Person overboard
Three long soundings of the whistle and general alarm, followed by a PA announcement. In case of Person Overboard situations, keep outer decks clear where rescue operations are underway.
- Evacuation stations
Seven or more short soundings followed by one prolonged sounding of the ship's general alarm and/or whistle.
Signals will be followed by an announcement explaining the nature of the emergency. If you hear an emergency signal our crew will take immediate charge of the situation and explain exactly what to do.
Ship evacuation
There are two marine evacuation systems, one on each side of Deck 2. Each station has sufficient capacity to evacuate 250 persons.
Should there ever be a need to evacuate the ship, crew members will direct you to one of these evacuation stations.
Rescue boats
This vessel carries one rescue boat on Deck 4 to assist with Person Overboard situations as well as towing life rafts to help passengers to safety in the event of an evacuation.
Life jackets
Life jackets are stowed in marked lockers on Deck 2. You’ll find them in the passenger lounge and portside of the main vehicle deck.
There are three types of lifejacket available: one for infants up to 15 kg, one for children from 15-43 kg, and one for adults. In the unlikely event of an emergency, crew members will instruct you on the proper use of your life jacket.
Assembly stations
In the event of an emergency, there are two Assembly Stations that may be used to direct passengers away from a situation or to prepare for evacuation. Assembly stations are located within the Deck 2 passenger lounge and on the portside of the main vehicle deck.
Fire suppression
Fire extinguishers are located throughout interior passenger areas. The onboard fire detection system monitors heat, smoke and manual alarm devices.
The information contained here applies to the Island Class vessels only. Locations and complement of safety equipment on other vessels will vary.
Any questions or comments?
Call BC Ferries toll-free: 1-888-BC FERRY (223-3779).
