WSF Weekly Report | Recruiting high school students for future in ferry crews

We’ve been thinking creatively over the last few years to address the well-documented crew shortages. We’re purposefully building a pipeline from “middle school to the pilothouse.” This encompasses both internal programs we’ve established to help our crew grow in their career and external outreach efforts. You will see that theme in this week’s update. We’re collaborating with several youth programs to spark interest in maritime careers amongst kids. I want to thank our fleet and Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility staff for the time they take working with these young people.

When I was a young boy, my father returned from the Falklands War, where he served on the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible. As a family, we went down to meet him as the ship came into port. They took the families of all the crew who served out on the ship for a cruise around the harbor and back to the dock. From that moment on, I was hooked; I knew that all I wanted to do was work on ships.

That’s why the stories we’re sharing in this week’s update are so important; I hope several of these kids were bitten by the same bug that I was. Whether they end up working for WSF or elsewhere in the industry, the maritime sector offers immensely rewarding opportunities. It has given me so much and I’m passionate about sharing that with the next generation of potential maritime professionals.

We hosted two groups of high schoolers aboard Walla Walla recently to get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work at WSF. These tours are valuable for students interested in becoming a mariner right after graduation, which is how I got my start. During both recent visits, the teens from the West Sound Technical Skills Center and Mary M. Knight School District got a behind-the scenes look at how our deck and engine room crews operate. We also showed how we respond to rescue situations and walked them through a hands-on mock fire drill. These tours, in partnership with Core Plus Maritime, have allowed us to showcase our career opportunities that await these young potential employees.

Our employees showing a group from West Sound Tech what it’s like to work in the pilothouse of a ferry aboard Walla Walla on Feb. 26.

Chief Mate Drew Botti and the Walla Walla crew assist a Mary M. Knight high schooler in using firefighting gear during a mock fire drill on Tuesday.

Walla Walla Chief Engineer Felix Tapley shows a group from Mary M. Knight School District what it’s like to work in the engine room of a ferry on Tuesday.

3rd graders visit Mukilteo terminal, vessels on route

One is never too young to get interested in maritime! A group of 120 students from Columbia Elementary School visited our Mukilteo terminal and rode a ferry to Clinton and back last Thursday. The third graders learned about the Lushootseed language, as well as the tribal artwork and history of the land at the terminal. They also toured either Issaquah or Tokitae, especially enjoying the sun decks. The students were thrilled to hear the ferries’ horns and point out the various animals seen on the route.

Marine Terminal Engineer Charlie Torres talks to the students during a tour of Mukilteo terminal.

Third graders and teachers from Columbia Elementary School pose for a photo while on the sun deck of a ferry while docked at Mukilteo terminal.

Fauntleroy terminal project advisory group meetings

Our Fauntleroy terminal replacement project team brought together its community and technical advisory groups last week. The meetings provided an overview of potential environmental effects and benefits of the seven Level 3 Alternatives (PDF 3.5MB) to replace the aging, seismically vulnerable terminal. Upcoming meetings will cover topics like traffic analysis, construction and cost estimates. The groups also discussed upcoming community engagement planned for this April and May. Recordings of these recent meetings are available on the community engagement section of the project website.

Ferry Riders’ Opinion Group survey

Share your thoughts about us in the latest Ferry Riders Opinion Group survey hosted by the Washington State Transportation Commission. Casual, recreational and regular riders, as well as those who are interested in ferry issues and management are encouraged to take the current survey. Sign up to join the Ferry Riders’ Opinion Group to ensure you’re included in all future surveys. Thanks for your participation and input!

Customer kudos

“I’d like to make a Huge Shout Out to WSF crew member Patty [Stokes, able-bodied sailor] who met me to return a vintage printer’s (type) tray I’d left leaning against the window on the Edmonds passenger ramp while waiting to board. I realized it after I got off the boat in Kingston (I live in Sequim) – my hands were full after a gift and craft supply exchange with friends in [North] Seattle and she got it back to me. The funny thing is she had someone locate it on the other side even though there was some confusion and folks were looking for a (computer)  printer tray [.]”

-Edmonds/Kingston route customer