Kootenay Lake – Balfour

• Cars and trucks are loaded on a first-come, first-served basis, and for most of the year, you will usually get the next ferry after you arrive.  However, on busy holiday weekends and during the peak summer season, vehicle traffic increases dramatically, and ferry sailing waits are not uncommon.
• When approaching the terminals, look for ferry lineups along the highway and position yourself accordingly.
• During the peak summer season, the terminals have attendants in high-visibility vests which will direct you into specific lanes for boarding.

• When Kootenay Pass closes due to avalanche conditions, the MV Osprey will run for 24 hours until the pass reopens. Check the DriveBC Website for updates.

Effective July 1, 2025:

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and vessels by regulating the transport of electric vehicles (EVs) that may pose fire hazards due to battery damage.

SCOPE

This policy applies to:

• Tow trucks or trailers transporting damaged EVs
• Drivable but damaged EV boarding under their own power
  
  On all Western Pacific Marine (WPM)  routes and vessels

POLICY / RESTRICTED VEHICLES

Due to the increased risk of thermal runaway and fire associated with lithium-ion batteries in damaged EVs, WPM will implement the following restrictions.

Prohibited Vehicles

The following vehicles will not be permitted on WPM vessels:

• EVs being transported by tow truck or trailer with visible or known battery damage
• EVs involved in collisions or with compromised high-voltage systems
• EVs showing signs of fluid leaks, electrical arcing, or deformation near the battery compartment

Conditional Boarding – Captain’s Discretion

The following EVs may be allowed on board, subject to approval of the vessel’s Master:

• Drivable EVs with cosmetic-only damage (e.g. scratches, dents)
• EVs verified to have no battery, wiring, or fluid system compromise

EXCEPTIONS

• Commercial auto carriers transporting undamaged or new EVs in bulk remain exempt from the restrictions above
• Any exception must be authorized by the WPM Marine Manager in writing

NOTIFICATION & DOCUMENTATION

• WPM will post this policy on its website and at terminals
• Tow operators must declare the condition of an EV when booking or arriving at the terminal
• Masters will maintain incident logs for any EVs denied boarding due to this policy

REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed quarterly or as new guidance becomes available from Transport Canada or relevant marine safety authorities.

For questions or clarifications, please contact Capt. James Maung, Director of Operations, at jamesm@westernpacificmarine.com