Weekly update

Read the weekly update from WSDOT Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey, head of Washington State Ferries.

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Here is the latest edition of the WSF Weekly Update:

April 3, 2025

A message from Steve

I had a great opportunity to connect with the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society recently, an outstanding organization focused on preserving our region’s rich maritime history and supporting youth maritime training. It was a pleasure to share my own maritime journey with them and answer questions about Washington State Ferries.

A presenter speaks to a seated audience in a room decorated with framed documents and photographs — Meeting with members of the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society during their luncheon meeting at the Center for Wooden Boats on March 22.

Having worked across various vessels, from yachts and tankers to cruise ships, it was especially rewarding to chat with fellow mariners and maritime enthusiasts. Founded in 1948 (three years before WSF!) and established as a nonprofit in 1952, Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society significantly expanded its outreach in 2014 when it acquired the Youth Maritime Training Association. Their goal of engaging and inspiring the next generation aligns closely with my personal passion for workforce development and attracting diverse young talent into maritime careers. I’m excited about our shared mission to build a vibrant future for maritime professions in the Pacific Northwest.

Issaquah crew rescues person from water off Anacortes

Our crew members working aboard Issaquah sprang into action Sunday to rescue a person in the water off Anacortes. They quickly launched a rescue boat, brought the person on board and eventually onto the ferry. Meanwhile, our Anacortes terminal staff contacted emergency medical services so that help would be ready when Issaquah arrived. Thanks to the crew’s quick thinking and training, the person was safely rescued and received the care they needed. This is yet another example of how our employees’ dedication and emergency training help keep our passengers and community safe every day.

An inflatable rescue boat is suspended by a crane from the side of a larger vessel on a body of water — Our Issaquah crew members saved a person who reportedly fell off a vessel and into the water off Anacortes on Sunday. Image courtesy Raul Orantes.

Summer vehicle reservations available 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 15

Vehicle reservations for our summer sailing season (June 15 to Sept. 20) will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 15. We only offer reservations on our Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville routes. Our Anacortes/San Juan Islands run will have a different schedule from previous summers. Sailing times were updated for the first time in more than a decade to improve on-time service. Revised winter and spring timetables for the route were rolled out earlier this year. The new spring schedule will be used again for our fall sailing season.

A ferry terminal with people walking towards a docked ferry, accompanied by cars on the adjacent road — For our Anacortes/San Juan Islands route, we’ll release 30% of vehicle reservations on April 15. Another 30% will open two weeks before each sailing and another 30% two days before. The last 10% is kept open for emergency and stand-by vehicles.

Aerial view of a ferry terminal with a ferry docked, surrounded by roads, parking areas and coastline — On our Port Townsend/Coupeville run, all vehicle reservations space (80% for each sailing) will be available on April 15, with the remaining 20% set aside for emergency and stand-by vehicles.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a good time to remind our customers to be safe, attentive drivers on our vessels and at our terminals, where many of our employees work right in the middle of lanes of traffic. A particular concern is the use of cell phones while driving. Please remember that as an extension of the state highway system, all state laws on distracted driving apply on our ferry system.

Ferry crew member directing on board onto the car deck — When driving onto a vessel, it’s important to be attentive, make eye contact with our employees and look at where they're directing you.

Weekday delays across SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge

Factor in extra time if your weekday ferry plans include travel across the State Route 104 Hood Canal Bridge. On Monday, April 7, WSDOT crews will begin an in-depth inspection of the bridge that involves intermittent draw span openings. This work requires closing the bridge to all traffic for 15 minutes to an hour at unscheduled times between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each weekday. The inspection is scheduled to wrap up Friday, April 18.

Bridge over a calm body of water with vehicles traveling on it under a blue sky — Crews will make every effort to keep closures as short as possible. They will also try to combine inspection-related draw span openings with marine traffic when possible.

Sailing stats for week of March 24-30

For the week of March 24-30, we completed 99.6% of our 2,763 scheduled sailings. This figure is separate from on-time performance. Of the 11 cancellations, eight were due to tidal currents and three were because of other miscellaneous reasons. There were no cancellations due to crewing.

Customer kudos

“I have never met a less-than-stellar crew member even though I don't have an individual to name. Much praise for the training they receive. Ferry travelers are in good hands.”

Steve Nevey
WSDOT Deputy Secretary for Washington State Ferries

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Winter driving tips

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.