BC Ferries Commissions Independent Safety Review

BC Ferries has commissioned former Auditor General, George Morfitt, to conduct an independent review of BC Ferries’ safety policies, procedures and practices. David L. Hahn, BC Ferries’ President and CEO said, “While safety reviews have been conducted at BC Ferries in the past, it is our intention to carry out a major audit of this nature every five years as part of our ongoing commitment to ensure we operate the safest and finest marine transportation system in the world.” The review will assess BC Ferries’ compliance with the Canada Shipping Act’s regulations, codes and standards. It will also review the extent of the company’s compliance with its safety management system.

George Morfitt and his team will collect information through management, union and employee interviews, reviewing documents, systems and processes, performing inspections and gathering relevant material from sources outside of BC Ferries. Work on the comprehensive safety audit will begin immediately and a report is expected to be provided to the BC Ferries’ Board of Directors and made public in late 2006.