Summer fast ferry schedules to begin in June
M/V Enetai passes M/V Commander as it departs Seattle on January 30, 2023.
Kitsap Transit will start its summer fast ferry sailing schedule a month later than normal this year due to a shortage of qualified deckhands.
We usually begin our summer sailing schedule — which includes all-day Saturday service from Bremerton, Kingston and Southworth to Seattle — in early May. Last year, a nationwide shortage of qualified mariners forced us to push the start date into June. We’re delaying the start of summer service again this year for the same reason.
We aim to transition to summer schedules on June 3. Summer schedules will run through Sept. 30.
Our Bremerton, Kingston and Southworth fast-ferry routes have slightly different Saturday schedules: In general, the first sailings from Kitsap depart around 9:30 a.m., while the last sailings from Seattle depart between 11:10 and 11:30 p.m.
The good news is that we’re hiring! We are currently recruiting for five deckhand positions. Applications close March 24, so if you’re interested, check out our employment page to apply.
Deckhands are integral to the safe and reliable operation of our ferries. They assist the captain in all aspects of operating a vessel. Among their duties:
Perform routine inspections before sailings to make sure the vessel is seaworthy
Perform basic deck, vessel cleaning and maintenance jobs
Assist in fueling operations and replenishment of vessel supplies
Inspect and fill engine fluids prior to getting underway
Oversee passenger boarding, process payments and on-board counts
Conduct nautical operations such as vessel mooring, handle mooring lines; cast off lines upon embarking and secure lines upon docking
Perform lookout duties in compliance with national and international marine standards
May take over vessel operation and bring the vessel into port if the Captain is incapacitated
A final note: We are still operating expanded service from Bremerton to Seattle, as part of our agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation. That schedule includes seven round trips on Saturdays.
Summer schedules will be available on our website a few weeks beforehand. You can view schedules for all three fast ferry routes on our Ferries page.