November 2020
Washington State Ferries: The Work Never Stops
“It could be a hail storm… thunder storm… we’re out here, man.”
The Washington State Ferry system is the largest ferry system in the United States. It is also the 4th-largest ferry system in the world. Their crew trusts Helly Hansen to keep them protected in the elements.
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NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER…
Seattle, Washington.
The Emerald City that sits in the center of the Puget Sound.
The birthplace of Boeing, Microsoft, and Starbucks.
It’s full of trees, hills, and hard-working people.
Known by some people as “Southern Canada”, this whole region has a climate that is often on the dreary side; for a significant portion of the year, the city sits under a gloomy canopy of grey clouds and endures a light (but relentless) drizzle.
The docks on the Seattle waterfront are home to many businesses and operations. The Washington State Ferry System is neighbors with one of the largest international seaports in the world… the Port of Seattle. It is also near several commercial fishing hubs.
But for many residents, life moves steadily forward whether the sun is shining or the wind is howling.
As the old Scandinavian proverb says… “There is no such thing as bad weather….. only bad clothing.”
Many hearty people in this region have adopted that philosophy and know that trustworthy gear can make all the difference.
This is especially true for anyone who works down on the docks or out on a boat, like the folks that facilitate, operate, and crew the fleet that is run by Washington State Ferries.
Adonis, a WSF crew member, knows that when you don’t have the luxury of working indoors, you need unquestionably reliable protection from the elements. You also need to know that it fulfills all your industry requirements and functions. For workers on board, that means trusting the Helly Hansen Potsdam apparel line.
Washington State Ferries (WSF) runs a year-round commuter boat fleet, with services and terminals all over the greater Puget Sound. They transport cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians from city to city, all day long, via the expansive waterscape of the Puget Sound and its inlets.
Their presence in the region is not dependent on good weather. Facing the elements is just a natural part of the job.
Day in, day out, working in unpredictable weather, they require reliable, consistent performance from their gear.
They operate 21 ferry boats and 20 ferry terminals.
They transport over 24 Million people a year.
A little rain isn’t going to stop them.
The fleet has 21 vessels of various sizes. The largest types in the fleet can fit up to 2,500 passengers and over 200 cars.
The lower deck of the ferry is often a hub of action. You’re bound to see several “Hi-Vis humans” hard at work.
ULTIMATE RELIABILITY
The average person expects their car to start and run every day so they can get to work.
Ferry riders expect the same.
They depend on the ferries to be running when they need them to be.
Tens of thousands of residents in the region rely solely on the ferry system for their daily work commutes, and there is a ton of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that these vessels are running smoothly.
There are over 120,000 people that inhabit the various islands in the Puget Sound, like Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, and the world-famous San Juan Islands.
Needless to say, these island dwellers are grateful for the ferry system.
From tiny islands to the big city, the ferry system is a crucial mode of transportation for tens of thousands of area residents.
The ferries act as an extension of the highway system… except they cut directly across a whole lot of empty space and radically alter the possibilities that exist for efficient transportation and commuting.
For many non-island commuters, the existence of a ferry route near them means their 2+ hour commute each way (to and from work) might be cut down to closer to 30 minutes each way.
That is literally a life-altering difference when compounded over weeks, months, and years of commuting.
Not to mention, there is quite the difference between being constantly engaged (mentally and physically) as a driver on the road and being a relaxed passenger who is kicking back and resting on your ferry ride.
Ferry Captain, Mike Sax, who commands one of the largest boats in the fleet, states it simply…
“We get up early and take people to work, or you stay up late and you bring ’em home.
Twenty-four hours a day.
Every day.”
Captain Mike Sax, pictured here, spends every workday out on the vast Puget Sound, navigating his path through a thoroughfare of trans-ocean freighters, personal yachts and boats, commercial fishing vessels, and the occasional rogue kayaker who has ventured a little too far into the sound’s interior.
As a part of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), WSF not only transports people to and from their jobs, but they also employ over 2,000 people of their own in the region, including deckhands, mates, engineers, oilers, electricians, welders, carpenters, food service workers, administration staff, and more.
WATCH: Click play, to see what the daily life is like aboard a ferry, as part of the crew.
***EXPLORE SOME OF THE HELLY HANSEN WORKWEAR PIECES TRUSTED BY WSF***
*All HH Workwear is not available in all countries. Country-specific industry standards apply.
Waterproof. Windproof. Breathable. Hi-Vis. Everything you need.
When the weather turns, the WSF crew is prepared and ready.
ANSI… CSA… or class versatility… where compliance is needed, there is a jacket to fill that need.
ESSENTIAL WORK
The beauty and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and the Puget Sound can often distract the eye of the casual ferry rider.
The stunning blue waters, the islands and cityscapes, and wildlife sightings in and around the water (like Orca whales and eagles!) can draw attention away from the fact that there is always a steady stir of hard work happening behind the scenes to make it all possible.
The crew and the staff of the Washington State Ferry system hold themselves to an extremely high standard of excellence, and they operate these massive vessels with precision, pride, and the knowledge that they are making the lives of those around them easier and more efficient.
Their work is essential to the daily flow of a buzzing metro region. It is also essential to tourists and casual riders, looking for an authentic Northwest experience.
Here at Helly Hansen, we are proud to play a part in the crews’ ability to perform their daily jobs at a high level.
So, next time you happen to be in or around the Puget Sound, hop on a ferry and enjoy the captivating views.
But also watch for the crew.
They will be there…
…underneath the beautiful distractions of the region…
…in all weather conditions…
…simply getting it done.
From dawn to dusk. The job gets done.
Stay safe. Be smart. Work hard. Trust your gear.
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All Images by Andy Cochrane. Video by Adam Wells.
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