Washington State Ferries Employee News

Watch the all-staff meeting recording from Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Have an idea for this employee newsletter? Email WSFEmployeeComms@wsdot.wa.gov.

Update on our Ticketing and Modernization Project

As you saw in the March 6 all-staff email, there are upcoming changes to our Ticketing and Reservations Modernization Project. We have ended our contract with Anchor. We will now break the project into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will help minimize disruptions in our services. 

We had hoped that we could work through some of the challenges we were experiencing with the new development. We are now planning our next steps. We will release more detailed information soon. Here is what we know right now:

• We are committed to acquiring new ticketing and reservation systems and upgrading our current point-of-sale system.
• We will only implement systems that are stable, reliable and are an improvement for our customers and staff.
• Much of the work completed with the current vendor will still be used. This will help us start future project work on a solid foundation.
• We don’t yet have a clear timeline for project implementation. However, we anticipate that our customers will start having an improved online experience in late 2027 or early 2028, at the earliest.

This was not an easy or quick decision. We recognize that the delay is disappointing, but we’re confident that it is the best decision to ensure a successful project.

We now have a much clearer picture of what we want and need in a new system. We also have a great project team who are continuing to move the work forward. 

Thank you for your patience. We’ll be sharing more information soon.

Employee Recognition

Shared Values Coin

Retirement after nearly 4 decades of service

Employee Spotlight

You may see a new face at 2901 and out in the fleet in the coming months. His name is Brian Jackson. He started less than a month ago as our new organizational development manager. In this role, he is leading our systemwide “Turning the Tide” effort.

Brian has worked in organizational development for 30 years. He's helped schools and nonprofit organizations expand, standardize and prepare their workforces to be successful for their communities.

Brian says his goal is to support the people who serve the public every day. He wants to build strong relationships across Washington State Ferries so employees know he is an advocate for them. He enjoys helping people succeed and finding ways to lift others up in their work.

A self-described “stereotypical Seattleite,” Brian loves music and art. He enjoys screen printing and spending time with his family. He grew up in Western Washington and remembers taking the ferry to Bremerton in his teens and 20s to attend punk shows.

These days, his three kids – ages 6, 14 and 17 – keep him busy. Brian says the culture of his home centers on “art and community.” He and his family value building connections outside of work and creating spaces where people can gather and feel safe.

What’s New at HQ? 

How we decide what to share after a colleague’s passing?

We have heard from some of you about concerns over how we announce the passing of a coworker. At times, the messages may seem inconsistent. We understand how that can be confusing, especially in an organization as close-knit as we are.

We want to assure you that any differences in timing or detail are never meant to be disrespectful. We follow our policy, which requires the family’s approval before leadership can share a quick notice about a colleague’s passing.

The quick notice also lets employees know about available support resources. It may also include guidance on how to honor the person’s service. We only share service details if the family gives us that information and approves it. Our policy honors all current employees who pass away, as well as retirees with 25 or more years of service.

Sometimes an announcement may be delayed or may not include many details. This is usually because we are respecting the family’s wishes. Some families ask for privacy, and we fully honor those requests.

We are sharing this so that limited communication or silence is not misunderstood. It always reflects respect for the family and their preferences.

Thank you for your understanding and for the care and respect you show each other every day.

Women’s History Month

Women help keep our ferry system running every day. They serve on vessels, welcome passengers at terminals, move supplies in the warehouse, maintain equipment at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and support operations at headquarters.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the achievements of women past and present. It’s also a chance to celebrate the women who are helping shape the future of our organization right now.

In 2025, women received 33% of our job offers. That progress reflects our commitment to building a workforce that looks like the communities we serve. We know there’s more work to do, and we’re focused on creating opportunities, removing barriers and supporting career growth at every level.

Women’s History Month is a great time to pause and recognize how far we’ve come. If you know a woman who may be interested in a hands-on, meaningful career, encourage her to explore job opportunities with us.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive ferry system for the future.

Our next big step toward a hybrid-electric fleet

We recently selected a vessel charging system for our hybrid-electric ferries. This system is what will deliver shore power to our boats so they can charge their batteries while docked.

Each new hybrid-electric ferry will be equipped with two diesel engines and two electric motors powered by large battery banks. In total, each vessel will carry more than 15 megawatt-hours of battery storage. 

Charging will happen during normal terminal stops, fitting within our typical 20-minute loading and unloading window.

We’re now finalizing the system’s design with our selected vendor, Stemmann-Technik, a Wabtec company and a global leader in energy transfer systems. While designs are still being refined, the charging system is expected to use an overhead charging arm mounted on a platform near the terminal. 

Just as important: up to 16 terminals will use the same system, giving our hybrid boats flexibility to charge wherever they operate and help keep service reliable.

Curious what’s coming next? Check out our recent blog post to learn more about what’s ahead.

Construction Corner

Mukilteo wingwall construction brings unique training opportunities

Planning to reposition the left, or west, wingwall at our Mukilteo terminal started more than a year before construction began. Teams from terminal engineering, operations, service planning and external relations began meeting in 2024. They weighed various scenarios and time frames to do the work. The project required shutting down ferry service to drive six piles, so the goal was to reduce disruptions to riders as much as possible.

During these meetings, the operations team identified a unique workforce development opportunity. They realized the closures could help build their bench of U.S. Coast Guard-certified staff without taking a ferry out of service. 

Wingwall repair work began in January. During construction, two boats were out of service and docked at Clinton during nine midday and 10 nighttime closures. The operations advanced training team used this downtime to conduct targeted pilotage training. Licensed deck officers took part in the training. Some were already qualified, while others were working through the training pipeline. Several were also building the trips needed to meet chief mate pilotage requirements.

Because of the training, 38 employees completed the trips needed to earn the Coast Guard pilotage endorsement. Others completed part of the requirements and will finish later. Before this effort, only two employees had this pilotage endorsement. In total, participants recorded 1,115 trips, including 857 during the day and 258 at night.

The closures also offered a chance to conduct law enforcement security exercises. Several regional marine law enforcement and tactical response teams took part. Officers practiced safely approaching and boarding a ferry while it was underway. They also ran active-shooter response scenarios. These drills also help law enforcement become more familiar with our vessels. 

As for the wingwall work, crews successfully drove piles deeper into the sea floor, making the wingwall more resilient for the future. (It had been moved out of position in 2022 after a propulsion failure led to a hard landing.) Crews finished the pile driving early, which meant ferry service returned to normal a week early.

Showing our Seahawks pride

Our workforce showed their Seahawks pride across the system in the days leading up to the Super Bowl – and again when the team returned home to celebrate their championship.

Several ferries proudly flew the 12 flag, showing support for the home team. Employees were also invited to wear team gear the weekend before the Super Bowl and on parade day. Some even took it a step further by decorating parts of their vessels with Seahawks spirit.

Training Times

Vessel Emergency Response Training

Vessel Emergency Response Training classes (must be logged into WSDOT system to access) for April are now open for registration. Afternoon classes were scheduled to help PM and graveyard shift employees attend. 

Our Training Department training is working to get the remaining employees who are due for training scheduled. If you recently received an email from Deck Workforce Development Lead Grace Greer letting you know you’re due for VERT, please sign up using the link above of the QR code to the right.

VERT, formerly known as Liferaft Systems Australia training, prepares deck and engine personnel to respond to vessel emergencies. The training focuses on protecting passengers and keeping vessels ready for service in any situation. This training is mandatory and must be completed every three years.

Engine New Employee Orientation

What’s Up at WSDOT?

Annual Worker Memorial ceremony this April

On Tuesday, April 7, we will host our annual Worker Memorial ceremony at the Lacey Community Center. This will include a private reception for the families of our fallen workers. 

Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith, Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste, WSDOT Maintenance Operations Director Pasco Bakotich, South Central Region highway maintenance worker Josh Quilici and the WSDOT Memorial Foundation will make brief remarks during the ceremony about the importance of safety when traveling throughout our state – not just for our crews but the traveling public as well. 

This year, our WSDOT Honor Guard will return to the ceremony for the first time since the pandemic, a symbolic moment that holds personal significance for our staff. Each member of the Honor Guard represents one of the 61 WSDOT employees who have been killed on the job – many in marked work zones – since 1950. A few Washington State Ferries crew members will participate in the Honor Guard, and we appreciate their involvement and support.

Due to space constraints and an offsite location this year, we must limit in-person attendance. A recap of the ceremony will be shared with employees following the event.

Safety Matters

CPR and AEDs save lives

Due to the nature of our jobs, we work with the public every day interacting with people of all backgrounds and in all states of health. We have automated external defibrillators at every terminal and on every vessel, but an AED is only effective if you are mentally and physically prepared to use it. Most of our fleet is trained in CPR and AED use, though many will go their entire lives without needing to act. Still, it’s important that we remain vigilant and ready to use our skills in an emergency. King County currently leads the nation in lives saved by CPR. There is no greater feeling than saving a life. 

Dispatch Replacement Project

Scan here anytime to visit the Dispatch Replacement Project SharePoint site (must be logged into WSDOT system to access). It's updated at least once a month with the latest project news. This QR code will also be included in every issue of Ferry Tales through summer 2027, when the project is expected to wrap up.

Nautical Numbers

Here are some numbers that recap what we did in February:

1,256,386 total riders

• 640,648 drivers (with vehicle)
• 615,738 passengers and walk-ons

258 medical priority loads/medevacs

5 lifesaving events

18 whales spotted

Welcome Aboard!

February engine hires:

• Derreck East
• Bretton Findlay
• Kaylie Gran
• Joevir Legislador
• Jorge Linares
• Berhane Little
• Aidan Lyons
• Joseph Nasta
• Elijah Nichelson
• Russ Parker
• Jefferey Zapko

February terminal hires:

• Justin Bielman
• Matthias Braun
• Troy Copley
• Alan Davidson
• Christopher DiPalma
• Lucas Frank
• Devin Jones
• Christina Kitchens
• Brandon Mitchell
• Aaliyah Ross
• Austin Schuh

February Eagle Harbor hires:

• Cole Jensen
• Eric Morgan
• Kyle Ross
• Gregory Scammell
• Amir Shabazz
• Scott Siperek

February HQ hire:

• Brian Jackson

We’re Hiring!

Current job openings at WSF:

• Transportation Engineer 2
• Inspector Specialist, Marine Structural
• Senior Civil/Marine Engineer
• Vessel Project Engineer
• Contract Services Manager
• Transportation Engineer Intern

Have an idea for this employee newsletter? Email WSFEmployeeComms@wsdot.wa.gov.