In pre-pandemic times, we would board an early morning ferry and settle in at the buffet, eating breakfast and working on laptops in the quiet space.
Now, we stay below decks in our vehicle, socially distancing and following the guidelines set out by B.C. Ferries and Transport Canada. Why? Because we are onI was appalled to hear about the recent anti-mask demonstrators who behaved with frightening rashness and disregard for their fellow passengers. Yes,. Because we are all on a boat in the ocean. Let me repeat: At the end of the day, we are all fellow passengers on a boat. Bad behaviour by some affects all in that type of situation.
I am a B.C.-born and B.C.-raised citizen. I have travelled on the ferry system my whole life. It can be easy to forget, while you sit eating your meal, or reading your book, or watching your child play in the kids area, that you are, in fact, sailing on a vessel. There are frequent reminders on board through posters and ship-wide announcements about safety. Probably because many of us can be apt to forget we are in fact, travelling on a vessel.
Every staff member goes through rigorous safety training and most have first-aid training as well. Because if there was ever a problem with the vessel, those are the people who will help us. They do not deserve our wrath, bad behaviour or foul language. Challenges like this pandemic affect all aspects of our lives. I believe we are remiss if we do not do our best with our fellow passengers/crew/neighbours/co-workers and remember our manners, mask wearing and friendliness. We are all travellers on the same ship.