We’re not just here to serve food. We’re here to keep you safe.

I started working at BC Ferries when I was 21. I applied on a whim, got a call, went through the interview, and got hired as a seasonal catering attendant. That was eight and a half years ago, and I’ve stayed because I love the job itself.

Working on a boat, being surrounded by a great crew, and most of all, the safety side of things, I’m really passionate about that. It’s a big part of what keeps me coming back.

What most people don’t understand is just how much training it takes to even step onboard. All that safety training is the reason we’re there in the first place. We’re not just there to flip burgers or scoop fries. We’re trained in emergencies and to keep people safe.

When I got hired, I had to complete marine evacuation chute training, passenger safety management, marine basic first aid, and the LSA system (the slides). That’s on top of a week and a bit of general safety training and then catering job training. It took about a month to be job-ready. Then there’s clearance training on each vessel: two days per vessel, and tests to pass before you’re cleared to work. But it doesn’t stop there. Safety qualifications must be kept up to date.

For example, passenger safety management is renewed every five years. Seafarer medical is every two. I have clearances on five vessels, and I need to work on each one at least once a year just to maintain them. Each vessel class is different. Coastal class, Spirit class, Salish class, they all have their own safety schematics and procedures. It’s a lot to remember, but it matters. Learning never stops.

I feel proud every time we handle an emergency onboard. It’s always a team effort. I’m also an OFA, so I’ve helped in medical situations too. The training and drills we run kicks in. It’s powerful to see it in action. Union activism has helped me a lot on the job. Before I got involved as a shop steward, I knew the collective agreement existed, but I didn’t really understand it. Now, I know my rights, I speak up, and I have the confidence to handle tough situations, especially with difficult passengers. That confidence came from my union involvement. Speaking up for what’s right, showing up for my coworkers, learning to trust my instincts, it’s made me stronger.

Unfortunately, we do get aggressive passengers sometimes, especially in peak season. People who aren’t familiar with the system get frustrated, and sometimes they take it out on us. We see it ramp up in the summer when everyone’s tired and stressed. It’s tough, especially when we’re dealing with fatigue and packed schedules on top of everything else. It can feel like the same problems repeat every year, short staffing, not enough time off, a lot of pressure.

If I could change anything, I’d want our employer to really listen to us. Everything starts at the top. It’s hard to give passengers a good experience when we’re not having one ourselves. Morale matters. We need to feel respected and supported so we can do our jobs safely and well. Pride in the job must come from leadership too. At the end of the day, I’m proud of what I do. I’m proud of the skills I’ve gained, the safety knowledge I carry, and the strength I’ve built through the union. I want people to know this job is so much more than serving food. We’re trained professionals and we’re here to keep you safe.

Kimberly Cole is a Local 3 Shop Steward, BCFMWU Women’s Committee member and chair of the BCFed’s Young Workers Committee.