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.

Employees lead the way at Career Day

More than 50 employees came together on March 19 to bring maritime careers to life for over 150 high school students. They led hands-on demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours during our fourth annual Career Day at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.

Staff from all across our system shared their knowledge and passion in small groups. Students rotated through stations that showed them how we fight fires, toss a life ring, use our marine evacuation system known as LSA and administer first aid and CPR. They also toured a pilot house, engine room and visited some of Eagle Harbor's trade shops. 

Deck, engine, terminal, trades, warehouse, human resources and outreach were represented at the event. The Eagle Harbor staff were vital in hosting the event once again, especially with ongoing construction on site this spring.

Some students used the event as a chance to dive deeper into the careers we offer. For others, it was an opportunity to be introduced to some of the people who care deeply about the many jobs available with the ferries.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event and inspired future mariners!

Employee Recognition

Teamwork gets Issaquah back in service after electrical issue

Strong coordination across many departments helped return Issaquah to service after an electrical problem on March 20.

The issue was found on the first sailing from Anacortes to Friday Harbor. It involved the vessel’s vital power breaker panel. For safety, the vessel was secured at Friday Harbor. All passengers were safely taken off the boat. The deck crew handled this quickly and professionally.

After that, teams across the system stepped in. Our port engineers worked with the U.S. Coast Guard to move Issaquah to the tie-up slip. This allowed our other ferries to keep running. They also arranged for Eagle Harbor Electrician Paul Parker to fly in by seaplane as quickly as possible.

In the engine room, crews worked side by side with Paul. They spent the day finding and fixing the problem. They also worked with engineering and electrical experts across the system. That included Issaquah Staff Chief Engineer Justin Blair, Electrical Design Engineers Chris Leon and Mark Scoville, Eagle Harbor Electrician Foreperson Patrick Evans, Electrician Houmir Totaan, Electronics Shop Supervisor Ed Courtway and Port Engineers Tom Morris and Jim Blake. Together, they solved the issue.

Behind the scenes, dispatch worked to find replacement crews. Both day and night shifts had reached their work hour limits. Some employees worked about 22 hours, including travel time, to help get the vessel running again.

At the same time, marine operations added extra sailings for Tillikum and Chelan. This helped keep people moving on the route. Our external relations team shared updates about adjusted and canceled sailings.

Port engineers also made backup plans, including tugboat support. These plans were later canceled due to strong winds.

After repairs were complete, Issaquah was approved to return to Anacortes under its own power. A U.S. Coast Guard inspector came on board to review and approve the work. Our marine operations and dispatch teams also arranged an extra sailing to bring a new deck crew to the vessel. This helped support its return and inspection.

This effort shows the teamwork and dedication it takes to keep our fleet moving, even during unexpected challenges.

Bringing energy to every task

Employee Spotlight

Meet Steve, our workforce development lead for Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.

Steve started his career in the U.S. Navy after a few semesters of college in his early adulthood. He became a nuclear-trained electrician aboard submarines. During his 20 years of service in the military, he earned his master’s degree in human resources. 

Upon leaving the Navy, Steve joined WSF as a journey-level electrician. He later became the electrical shop inventory coordinator. He also served in several other roles before stepping into his current role.

Caffeine gets him through his days, which have countless moving parts. He has to maintain a high level of patience, tact, diplomacy and a positive attitude, plus the flexibility to pivot from one task to the next as seamlessly as possible. 

He says the most rewarding part of his job are the “lightbulb moments." These are the times when something clicks and the learner understands the material.

But his job doesn’t come without a myriad of challenges. Managing priorities in a world of opposites, the largest being balancing production versus training, which is made especially difficult when budgetary limitations are imposed. He accomplishes this by consulting with each trade and presenting options for minimizing the production impact to include adding classes, scheduling training during slower production periods and setting up routine schedules that work for everyone.

He says that, "The true heroes are the hard-working folks at Eagle Harbor. They deserve the recognition that makes the ferry system continue to operate when issues arise that threaten sailing schedules. Eagle Harbor, collectively, has a crew of personnel that exudes work ethics, production efficiency and a high-level of positive attitude to get things done with very limited resources. They are definitely a force to be reckoned with. It is my pleasure to serve this crew to give them as much training as our resources allow.”

When not at the office, Steve enjoys playing cribbage and supporting the Philadelphia Eagles. He also likes to travel and shellfish harvesting, including razor clam and Dungeness crab.

What’s New at HQ? 

Budget boost to help with maintenance, staffing and facilities

Our ferry system is getting some added support in the way of funding. 

Gov. Bob Ferguson recently signed the 2026 supplemental transportation budget, also known as Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005. Lawmakers passed the bill at the end of this year’s 60-day session.

This budget adds funding to the two-year spending plan approved last year. It advances funding to help build our first three new hybrid-electric ferries at Eastern Shipbuilding Group. It also funds electrification work at three terminals. In addition, it provides more funding for vessel maintenance and preservation over the next six years.

Other highlights include:

• $500,000 for a study on whether the state should build its own drydock. Drydock space in the region is limited. Military and other vessels often get priority. Because of this, we must plan maintenance far in advance, leaving little flexibility for urgent needs.
• $254,000 for warehouse and procurement staff. This will help improve how we manage parts and supplies.
• $2 million for a rapid response maintenance team. This team will handle urgent vessel repairs quickly.
• $19 million over six years to improve and expand our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.

One item the Legislature did not include in the budget is Gov. Ferguson’s plan to fund the construction of three additional ferries, for a total of six. Lawmakers chose not to take action on vessel purchases this year. We expect this topic to come back next year during the longer 105-day budget session when lawmakers write the next biennial budget.

Thank you for your continued dedication to serving the people of Washington.

Fleet feedback leads to new uniform options

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our Uniform Review Project – and we have some fantastic news to share with the entire fleet. After a thorough review process, we are excited to report that nearly every item requested was approved!

This project was driven by a single goal: to make sure the people who keep our ferries moving have the high-quality, functional gear they deserve.

A heartfelt thank you…

Before we dive into the new additions, a massive thank you is in order. To the project team: thank you for your tireless dedication and effort required to bring this across the finish line.

Most importantly, to our fleet members: thank you for your invaluable input throughout this process. We truly value your perspective, and as you can see from these results, your voice was heard!

What’s new?

We listened to your feedback regarding durability, pocket placement and daily comfort. Here are the items that will be available soon: 

• Puffy vest
• Acrylic sweater
• Cardigan
• Leather belt
• Tactical pants
• Hi-vis rain gear in orange
• Parka jackets for engine room 
• Softshell jacket

Please see the Quick Notice 19557 (must be logged into WSDOT system to access) sent out on March 24 for more details.

Looking ahead

The work you do is the heartbeat of our ferry system and your commitment is what keeps us sailing. It is our hope that the new uniform items bring you more comfort while enhancing the pride you feel working here. Stay tuned for more details on when the items will be available.

If you have any questions, email uniforms@wsdot.wa.gov.

2901 renovation nearly complete

Anyone who has been to 2901 in the past two months has probably noticed the construction in our office. Behind the temporary walls, crews are building a new reception area and three training rooms. They are also closing off the internal staircase between the fourth and fifth floors.

This work is part of a larger effort to bring more teams together in one space. Last year, we partnered with WSDOT Facilities and the state’s Department of Enterprise Services to sign a new five-year lease with our landlord, Martin Selig Real Estate. The new lease will save about $925,000 in rent each year. It also includes funding from the landlord to redesign the fourth floor.

Construction is expected to wrap up in May. After that, the reception desk, mail room, training classrooms and WSDOT Tolling and Public Transportation teams will move to the fourth floor.

When you step off the elevator on the fourth floor, you’ll be able to badge directly into the hallway or use the opposite door to check in at the new reception area. Much of the floor will look familiar, but you’ll also see two new general-purpose rooms and a navigation (radar) training lab.

For more details, including floor plans, updates and department move contacts, visit Your Guide to the 2901 Floor Consolidation SharePoint site (must be logged into WSDOT system to access).

Who to contact for tours and outreach

Tours and outreach programs are an important part of how we share our story.

Tours give people a behind-the-scenes look at how our system works. They highlight the skills of our employees and show the planning and teamwork it takes to keep ferries moving every day. Tours also help us connect with the public and explain how and why we make decisions.

Outreach takes this work even further. When we go to schools, career fairs and community events, we reach new audiences and connect with potential future mariners.

Tours

To help manage tour requests and make sure protocols are followed, please send all requests to Communications Consultant Brian Vail. In 2025, he helped organize more than 40 tours. Brian can help coordinate schedules, confirm staff availability and make sure plans are clearly communicated. The tour program has evolved in recent years. More External Relations team members now lead tours, so vessel crews can focus on their work and answer questions.

Because staff time is limited, we focus tours on groups like students, workforce development programs, industry partners and government officials. Other groups may be considered when staffing allows.

Email Brian.Vail@wsdot.wa.gov if you have any questions about tours.

Outreach

Maritime Workforce Outreach Specialist Adam Dahl plays a key role in this work. He helps connect people to careers on the water and builds programs that support the next generation of our workforce. Adam co-facilitates vessel tours and regularly visits classrooms, career fairs and trade events.

Adam also works with partner organizations like Northwest Maritime and supports hands-on learning programs. These include “Classroom on the Water” experiences for high school seniors at Port Townsend Maritime Academy and Maritime High School in Des Moines.

This work depends on strong partnerships across WSF. If you are connected to a school, community group or upcoming event, please email Adam.Dahl2@wsdot.wa.gov.

For many people, a tour or outreach event is their first introduction to maritime careers. These experiences can leave a lasting impression and help grow our future workforce.

If you have questions or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out. The more we work together, the more we can inspire the next generation of mariners.

Partnership with WSU engineering students on ferry charging system

As part of our long-term plan to build a cleaner, quieter ferry system, we have partnered with Washington State University’s mechanical engineering department on a student-led project this semester.

The project focuses on creating a charge management system. This system is an important part of dockside electrification. It will help safely and efficiently charge future hybrid-electric while they are at the terminal.

The system works like a “brain” between the ferry and the shore power equipment. It controls how and when electricity flows to the vessel.

The system is being designed for use at Colman Dock. It quickly begins charging once a ferry ties up at the terminal and adjusts the charging rate based on how long the ferry will stay and how much energy it needs. It also monitors battery limits at all times to keep operations safe.

In addition, the system will give operators clear information, allow manual control if needed, and securely record charging data for future review.

This project supports our larger electrification program. It will help us test real-world charging situations and better understand long-term cost savings as we move away from diesel fuel.

Vessel Project Engineer Ali Khurshid is serving as the project manager and student coordinator. He is guiding the team and making sure their work meets our operational needs.

This partnership gives engineering students hands-on experience with real transportation challenges. At the same time, it helps move us one step closer to a greener ferry fleet.

By employees, for employees: the heart of AFECT

Since 1987, the Active Ferry Employees Charitable Trust has been a safety net for our WSF family. Established by employees for employees, we provide support to colleagues and their families facing unforeseen hardships when all other options have been exhausted.

• Confidential support: The Board is made up of current employees and retirees. They meet monthly to review requests. Every case is strictly confidential. No information is ever shared outside the Board of Directors.
• Driven by you: AFECT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely by your generous payroll deductions, one-time donations and memorials. Sign up today to contribute as little as $2.50 per check to help support your fellow coworkers. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.
• Effect of AFECT: Since 2020, your contributions have assisted 30 fellow coworkers with just under $77,000 of support paid out on their behalf to cover bills such as mortgage, repairs and utilities. Any financial assistance you receive is not required to be paid back.
• Beyond the fleet: Your contributions also support local food banks and Toys for Tots. Plus, we are working hard to bring back our beloved Annual Holiday Cruise with the Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center!

Help us help you

To donate, request assistance or learn more, reach out to a Board member or scan the QR code to the right. Send completed applications and supporting documents either to afectgroup@gmail.com, afect@wsdot.wa.gov or 2608 Second Ave. #545, Seattle, WA 98121.

Construction Corner

Eagle Harbor weld shop project wins WSDOT’s design excellence award

The new weld shop, currently underway at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility, has won WSDOT’s Excellence in Design award. Set for completion next spring, the new facility is designed to fix several problems plaguing staff for years – cramped and divided workspaces, low headroom, poor filtration/ventilation, insufficient electricity to support operations along with the old building’s overwater location that floods during high tides. Building constraints have sent workers outside to do welding and assembly work.   

The new building will be located upland and is designed to meet current safety and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED Silver standards. 

Project Engineer Frank Fiedler picked up the award in person at the statewide project engineer’s conference in March. Along with Frank, project team members include Jeri Bernstein, Matthew Lemley, Ron Matyjas, Tyler Rome, Naomi Sandberg, James Sims, Adrienne Stutes, Andrew Whitesides and Toben Windahl.

This is a back-to-back win for our engineering, design and environmental teams. Last year, our Kingston terminal seismic retrofit project won the same award.

What’s Up at WSDOT?

WSDOT honors our fallen workers

On Tuesday, April 7, we honored the lives of transportation workers killed or injured on the job at our annual Worker Memorial ceremony in Lacey. One of those honored was Able-Bodied Seafarer Steven L. Brown who died while crewing a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island on Feb. 18, 1998. Pictures from this year’s ceremony are available on Flickr.

The ceremony included a private reception for the families of our fallen workers as well as remarks about the importance of work zone safety from Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith, Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste, State Maintenance Engineer Pasco Bakotich and members from the WSDOT Memorial Foundation. One of the most moving moments occurred when South Central Region Highway Maintenance Worker Josh Quilici shared his experience last January after being hit by a suspected impaired driver while clearing Interstate 90 of snow and ice. Josh was transported to the hospital with injuries. Thankfully, he has made a full recovery and returned to work. You can read more about his story on WSDOT’s blog. 

This year, our agency was proud to bring back our 61-person Honor Guard. Each member of the Honor Guard represented one of the 61 WSDOT employees who lost their lives while on the job since 1950 – many in marked work zones. Capt. Ross MacFarlane and Terminal Supervisor Wayne McFarland represented Washington State Ferries in this year’s Honor Guard. 

We host a month-long work zone safety campaign every April, both to remind the public of the need to keep crews safe and to acknowledge our co-workers who have been injured or killed on the job. Several work zone awareness events are being planned in April. Please consider wearing orange on April 22 to show your commitment to work zone safety as part of National Go Orange Day. Participants can share their Go Orange Day selfies (individual or group shots) by emailing them, along with the names and titles of everyone pictured, to Intranet@WSDOT.WA.GOV by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. We will also participate in a national moment of silence at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 24, to remember our co-workers killed on the job. 

Training Times

Strong start to 2026

Our Training Department had a busy and productive start to the calendar year. From January through March, the team delivered more than 17,500 hours of training. That’s a 17% increase from last quarter and the highest total so far this fiscal year.

In total, 639 employees completed training. On average, each person received 27 hours of training, up from about 21 hours in October through December. This shows we are not only training more people but also spending more time helping each employee grow.

Deck employees made up the largest share, with 44% of all training hours. This includes Deck New Employee Orientation, New Mate Orientation, Vessel Emergency Response Training, AB School and Proficiency in Survival Craft, or Lifeboat Limited certification. These programs support the many steps needed to become a skilled mariner.

Engine room employees also stood out. They reached a 100% training completion rate during the quarter. This reflects a strong focus on safety and readiness.

Behind this work are 39 qualified instructors who led trainings. These employees share their knowledge and help build skills across our system.

This strong start shows our commitment to investing in our people while also supporting our strategic priority of Empowered People in Turning the Tide.

Engineer Officer Administration

Fifteen of our licensed engineers successfully completed Engineer Officer Administration, or EOA, Class #2 in April. Some of them were newly promoted while others are preparing for promotion. This leadership and administrative program is designed to prepare licensed engineers for effective leadership and supervision. The final class of the training cycle begins May 4, with 16 more participants set to complete the program.

Building electrical skills for the engine room

Ten engine crew members completed Practical Electrical Troubleshooting on April 1. The training took place at the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School in Maryland. Ten more of our employees are set to attend beginning April 20. This highly regarded two-week intermediate course continues to be a favorite among crews. In addition, two Basic Electrical courses in April and May will serve 24 engine crew members eager to build their skills through a new, hands-on program developed by the Maritime Institute taught by retired WSF engine chiefs.

Safety Matters

Garbage grabbers

The Warehouse is now stocking garbage grabbers for use during cleanup and waste-handling tasks. These help reduce strain, prevent cuts and limit contact with hazardous materials. They are recommended for employees working on deck or at terminals. These jobs often involve bending, reaching and handling debris, which can pose ergonomic and injury risks. Using grabbers supports safer work practices. They minimize direct contact with trash and reduce exposure to sharp or contaminated objects. If you think a garbage grabber would assist you in performing your duties safely, ask your supervisor to place an order through the Warehouse. 

Two models are currently available: 

• Item #4503435240: Trash Grabber, trigger handle, 32 in., aluminum.
• Item #4503435241: Trash Grabber, 36 in., squeeze handle, magnetic tips.

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 March:

1,483,446 total riders

• 750,029 drivers (with vehicle)
• 733,417 passengers and walk-ons

72,322 service miles

276 medical priority loads/medevacs

4 lifesaving events

122 whales spotted

Welcome Aboard!

March deck hires:

• Brandi Salazar
• James Schubert
• Cassidy Turner
• Brian Vreeland

March terminal hires:

• Steven Barnett
• Taylor Colton
• Kenneth Cross
• Jakob Ferkingstad
• James Heaton III
• Dale Hendrickson
• Yvette Hyatt
• Megan Kirkpatrick
• Jack Lippard
• Darcy Reischman
• Jeremy Robinson
• Rebecca Shim
• Brandon Skinner
• Tyler Williams

March Eagle Harbor hires:

• Leigh O'Connor
• Skylier Tipler

We’re Hiring!

Current job openings at WSF:

• Transportation Engineer 3
• Transportation Engineer Intern
• Marine Designer
• Marine Mechanical Engineer
• Capital Budget Program Manager
• Inspector Specialist, Marine – Coatings

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