BC Ferries to ban smoking, passenger access to closed car decks

BC Ferries has two major policy changes coming in the New Year.

The ferry operator is currently reviewing its smoking policy, with an aim to making its vessels completely smoke free in the future. Currently smoking is allowed in designated areas on some outside decks.

It will also be restricting passenger access to closed car decks while sailing. Closed decks are the main car decks on larger vessels. Customers will continue to be permitted to stay in vehicles on the upper (opened) car decks.

Deborah Marshall, executive director of public affairs for BC Ferries, said in an email that a formal announcement on both policies will be made in January.