PORT TOWNSEND — State ferries system officials hope to take possession of the Chetzemoka ferry soon and begin six weeks of crew training before the boat is put into service on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route.
Washington State Ferries had planned to take possession of the 64-car ferry last week, but the boat has not been cleared by the Coast Guard.
The boat has completed its sea trials and is awaiting the results of Coast Guard safety tests of back-up emergency systems.
The tests have been completed, and the ferry system is awaiting results, said George Capacci, state ferries system deputy chief of operations.
“This delay is frustrating for everyone,” Capacci said.
“But we need to get the tests completed before we can go any further and begin crew training.”
‘Paperwork issue’
Capacci said there are no problems with the boat that would cause it to be flagged by the Coast Guard and called the delay “a paperwork issue.”
During training, captains, engineers and crews will become familiar with this new class of ferries, to continue testing its operating capabilities and to practice a variety of emergency and security drills.
After training is completed, the ferry will begin operation on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route, replacing the Steilacoom II now plying the Admiralty Inlet waters.
Marta Coursey, state ferries system spokeswoman, has estimated the boat will be in service sometime in October.
Both Port Townsend and Coupeville have planned inaugural celebrations for the ferry, which Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to attend.
The Chetzemoka originally was scheduled for its maiden voyage on Aug. 29. That was delayed because sea trials uncovered excessive vibrations that were corrected through a software adjustment.
The Chetzemoka, budgeted at $76.5 million, and a second ferry, the Salish, will replace the 80-year-old Steel Electric ferries that Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond pulled out of service in late November 2007, saying the vessels were unsafe.
Since then, the 50-car ferry Steilacoom II, which the state leases from Pierce County, has sailed the route alone.
The Salish is expected to join the Chetzemoka on the route in spring 2011.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
