[officedweller]

Pics of the Northern Adventure at Deas Island by K Stapleton, including the reconfigured rear ramp:

http://www.pbase.com/kstapleton/northern_adventure

http://k53.pbase.com/g6/45/387545/2/74784620.6tWvRona.jpg

http://i5.pbase.com/g6/45/387545/2/74763568.fE3O0JTA.jpg

Testing the Viking evacuation chute (note that the lifeboats appear to have been removed in favour of the liferafts):

http://k43.pbase.com/g6/45/387545/2/74763572.7Yj3uFxB.jpg

http://k53.pbase.com/g6/45/387545/2/74763580.VIIsGoar.jpg

Here's where you jump into the chute:

http://i5.pbase.com/g6/45/387545/2/74763578.nZuUtKqN.jpg

Here's where you land inside the liferaft:

http://i5.pbase.com/g6/45/387545/2/74783921.Zw419jIr.jpg

and more by Karl Adelman:

http://s97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/karladelman/MV%20Northern%20Adventure/?action=view&current=DSC00557.jpg

[agrant]

Pretty slick ship. Looks like they're doing some work inside, perhaps including mechanical (I.e., plumbing) - I can see a couple Jiffy Johns at the rear... :)

[raggedy13]

So is that chute basically just a three storey free-fall onto a rubber mattress? Or is there some sort of ladder-like thing in there? Anyone know?

[Canadian Mind]

its essentially a 3 story fall, but the bottom storey is design to curve, so that you are deflected onto the matres at a shallow angle, something liek 30 degrees i read somewhere. so going at approx. 9 meters per second at 30 degrees onto that, its not so bad really, very similar to sliding down one fo them things on an aeroplane.

[fever]

It's really cool. I participated in a test evacuation one time on an older ferry, like one of the Queens (Coquitlam, Surrey, not sure which). Everyone had to get off in a limited time starting from I think it was the vehicle deck, including putting on the life jacket.

Basically you jump into the chute right after the guy in front of you and try to keep streamlined. I remember I had a bit of a burn on a finger from it, but otherwise it was a lot of fun.

[mr.x2]

^ how do pregnant women or handicapped people use the chute, if at all?

[fever]

they throw them overboard.

[excel]

cool photos. nice boat.

[Canadian Mind]

they throw them overboard.

even though I actually find this rather reasonable under evacuation circumstances, please tell me its a joke and that there is a better way.

[LeftCoaster]

^ Of course its a joke, and a funny one at that!

[officedweller]

For Immediate Release 07-020 March 12, 2007

BC FERRIES’ NEW NORTHERN VESSEL OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC
MV Northern Adventure to host a series of open houses

VICTORIA – BC Ferries will host a series of open houses this month to give all members of the public an early preview of its newest ship, the MV Northern Adventure. The vessel will officially commence service on the north coast routes on March 31, 2007, pending completion of crew training and dock trials.

“BC Ferries is proud to showcase the MV Northern Adventure and give the public an opportunity to see the outstanding travel experience that awaits them on the scenic north coast this spring and summer,” said David L. Hahn, BC Ferries’ President and CEO. “When it starts service on our Port Hardy – Prince Rupert and Prince Rupert – Queen Charlotte Islands routes, this vessel will bring enhanced service and an unparalleled travel experience to our local customers and those visiting northern B.C. from throughout the world.”

The MV Northern Adventure will be available for public tours at the following times:
Location: Date: Time:
Canada Place, 999 Canada Place Way, Vancouver Saturday, March 17 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Skidegate Terminal, Queen Charlotte Islands Tuesday, March 27 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Prince Rupert Terminal, 2000 Park Avenue Wednesday, March 28 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
McLoughlin Bay Terminal, Bella Bella, Waglisla Thursday, March 29 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Bear Cove Terminal, Port Hardy Friday, March 30 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Purchased last year and transported to British Columbia, the two-year old Northern Adventure has been completely renovated and modified for service on the north coast. Take a stroll on one of the vessel’s three spacious outer decks, which have been designed to optimize views and exposure to the region’s spectacular scenery, and check out the Lighthouse Café which allows customers to relax in the open air during the summer season. Inside, discover the Raven’s lounge, equipped with 480 reclining seats, and enjoy a variety of entertainment options with five onboard LCD TVs, all with satellite and DVD feeds. The MV Northern Adventure offers a licensed cafeteria called the Coastal Café, with an array of new menu items to tempt travellers. The ship will also feature Aboriginal art displays and shopping opportunities onboard in Passages Giftshop.

Customers will appreciate the variety of accommodation options the MV Northern Adventure has to offer, including 70 cabins, complete with washrooms and showers, as well as four luxury cabins with TVs, DVDs and spectacular views from the bow of the ship. On the MV Northern Adventure, travellers can explore the northern frontier. The ship will travel from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, which is the gateway to Alaska, and then over to the mystical Queen Charlotte Islands, the ancestral home of the indigenous people of Haida Gwaii. Come tour the vessel this month and prepare to book your next summer vacation with BC Ferries.

- 30 -

[excel]

^Sweet thanks for the heads up, ill have to head down and check her out.