About Myself My name is John Hammersmark and I have been a resident of British Columbia for 24 years (since birth) and a ferry enthusiast for most of those years. It's not something I can explain except draw a comparison between the general facination most guys have with cars and mine with ferries. I've got a few hundred photographs, books, magazines, post cards, old schedules and pamphlets, and have built a few model ferries out of cardboard. This webpage is a makeover of my previous page which was small, out of date, and not very helpful.
My only experience working on a ferry was a 4-day high school work experience arrangement in 1997 that I managed to get through a couple letters to the very helpful CEO of BC Ferries, Mr. Frank Rhodes. He didn't have many friends in the press but I appreciate what he did for because he was under no obligation to do it. I was placed on the Queen of Capilano for the afternoon/evening runs from February 4th to 7th. During those 4 days I think there were 3 different captains (same crew), but the final two were with Captain DeVilliers. It was a really interesting experience and I had the opportunity to perform most of the deckhand duties and got to know the crew. That was over 5 years ago and I don't remember the names of the people I got to work with, but they probably know who they are and I'd like to thank everyone who was part of making that happen.
I've taken many trips on the ferries and have been on most of the routes operated by BC Ferries and some others as well. For the past few years I've travelled mainly between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo to visit my girlfriend/fianc�e (we got married on May 1, 2004), Jennifer as often as I have opportunity. She doesn't like ferries as much as I do but she is very patient with me!
I'm not the final authority on ferries, especially not on their engines, navigation equipment, or operations. As far as the politics and business involved with BC Ferries and the other small ferry operators on the coast, I don't know a whole lot about that either. If you have any questions though, I can try and answer them and probably give you a few ideas of where to look for answers if I can't help you personally. This depends on the number of requests for help I get. Unfortunately, this hobby doesn't pay and I can't devote 8 hours a day to this website and answering questions. My e-mail is mentioned in the next paragraph.
In May 2004, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a BA in Geography (major) and History (minor). At the moment I am working for Preferred Handcraft Stone. I have a personal website, John's Page Central which has some information and links concerning my Christian beliefs and Geography, History, and Photography. Feel free to e-mail me with any comments or complaints at [email protected].
Thanks for visiting my page! Have a good day.
John Hammersmark
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Page/Images by John Hammersmark.
This webpage was last updated on May 24, 2004.