Longtime state ferry commuters: 'This is the worst it's been'

[Ferryboat]

4. Retired after 25 years

In February, #57 out the door.

WSF knew about the huge wave of retirements at least 8 years or so. What did they do to prepare?

Cut in house budget that promoted from within. Training program was the path for those who start at the bottom cleaning toilets all the way into the Captains chair if so inclined.
Restarted 2 years ago, starting to show results but will take time. Each promotion to the next level of officers training takes hundreds of hours of sea time at 8 hours day.

No one in the maritime industry will come to work for WSF when the wage scale is below industry standards so you need to promote from within. The wage scale is improving. Recent labor negotiations put my position AB bosun close to $45. Those cleaning the cabin, after probation north of $25.

Great place to work Medical Dental
5 weeks vacation
Pension

Downside?

Work EVERY holiday, birthday maybe your anniversary.
Hostile customers
Long commute sometimes

New boats?
Schedule to build new boats was blown up when Nichols Brothers shipyard engaged a squeeze play for more money last year. There are other factors, but that is the major one.

If you must ride a boat,
Motorcycle 1st on, off
Bicycles
Walkers.