BC Ferries passengers now required to bring masks, face coverings onboard

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – If you’re planning a trip via BC Ferries, make sure you have a face mask handy.

As of Monday, face coverings are mandatory onboard sailings if physical distancing isn’t possible.

That means passengers will have to confirm with staff that they have a face covering with them before they board. Those without one may be denied, and BC Ferries won’t have any extras to give you.

Face coverings must comfortably cover your nose and mouth, fit securely to your head, and be made of at least two layers of fabric such as cotton or linen.

The guidelines come from Transport Canada, but don’t apply to everyone.

Related article: Face masks will be mandatory on sailings, says BC Ferries

Passengers under the age of two are exempt, with masks being required for other passengers on trips on routes that are longer than 30 minutes.

People who can’t wear a mask for health reasons will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

BC Ferries continues to operate at 50 per cent capacity per Transport Canada regulations, but has recently resumed some sailings. Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay restarted on June 3 with limited sailings, while Langdale to Horseshoe Bay sailings increased on June 5. Other routes will slowly reopen this month.

Passengers will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and restricted from travel if they do not meet screening requirements.