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06/24/2009: "“Touring Watch” Impacts Ferry Schedule"

Captain Suzanne E. Englebert is the Commanding Officer of the Seattle Coast Guard sector, and she is receiving requests from federal, state and county elected officials to take a second look at her recent mandate on an “8 on 8 off” work period for ferry workers.

If the new policy goes into effect as planned, WSF (Wa State Ferries) will no longer overnight a boat in Friday Harbor. This will result in a push back of the red-eye ferry out of Friday Harbor, and the removal of the 5:00 pm boat.

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce has identified four possible negative impacts of the ruling”


1. Delay in getting mail to the islands

2. One hour push back could result in overload for the 6pm for those going off island for appointments, etc. and not able to get on earlier ferry. Next boat not until 8:00pm

3. Increase in costs to WSF because an empty boat will need to deadhead to FH during the night to get positioned and a crew in Anacortes will have to be transported from Anacortes and back.

4. Inefficient for functioning of SF County residents, government, businesses, schools, clinics and agencies. Getting to work on time for those working on other islands.

As previously reported, the mandate is the result of complaints and concerns that the current 12 on and 12 off watches are conducive to fatigue and possible danger as a result to crew, passengers and boats.

The San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) is working with the WSF and is in communication with the Coast Guard in an attempt to solve ferry schedule issues resulting in the changes in the schedule.