For some passengers on the Salish Orca, BC Ferries鈥� newest vessel in the corporation鈥檚 fleet, travel hasn鈥檛 quite been smooth sailing.

The ferry, which serves the Comox-Powell River route, has been operational for just over two weeks, and first impressions include complaints about delayed departures, frustrating steep stairs, exit doors and a disappointing children鈥檚 play area.

鈥淚t鈥檚 no better than the Burnaby,鈥� said Powell River resident Morris Moser, who frequently travels from the Sunshine Coast via Comox to Campbell River for medical appointments. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very important for the arrival time on the first return route to Comox to be on time in order to make 11 a.m. appointments.鈥�

The Polish-built ferry officially launched into sailing May 16, taking over the route from the 52-year-old Queen of Burnaby. It is the first ferry in the province to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) but has been dogged by delayed sailing times and passenger complaints.

鈥淎s with any new vessel, we鈥檝e had a few issues crop up,鈥� explained Deborah Marshall, executive director, public affairs for BC Ferries, in an email. 鈥淲e experienced a ship to shore power issue, an electrical issue (from) a breaker and an issue with the sewage treatment. Our crew has worked very hard to address any issues that have arisen.鈥�

She adds when the company has a series-build, they always learn from the implementation of the first ferry.

The Salish Ocra is the first of three Salish Class sister vessels that are identical in construction, however each one features the artwork of a different First Nations artist. The other two Salish ferries are set to serve the Southern Gulf Islands later this year.

Moser says not only are the delays causing grief, but he鈥檚 also calling into question some of the design features in the ferry.

鈥淭he angle (of passenger stairs to/from the car deck) is far too steep, the treads are not wide enough leading to a sense of imbalance (and) dead smooth handrails. Looking down the stairs from the top they almost produce a sense of vertigo; if anyone slips or loses balance they will probably go from the top to the bottom in (a) nasty, bumpy swan dive.鈥�

Other customers have noted passengers are refusing to use the stairs and choosing rather to use one of the two onboard elevators.

鈥淪tairs (are) very steep from car deck - an accident is going to happen,鈥� wrote Gord Parnham on The Record鈥檚 Facebook page.

鈥淵es! Trying to get three small children up and down those stairs by myself was terrifying!鈥� added Brittany Caring.

Marshall said the stairs on the Salish Class are actually the same specification as the stairs on the 台湾MM裸聊室 Class vessels.

鈥淭he difference is most likely perspective. On the 台湾MM裸聊室 Class, customers come up a flight of stairs and then come to a landing before carrying up the second and third flights.

鈥淥n the Salish, it is one long staircase so it appears steeper.鈥�

She added the company has received comments from customers about the stairs.

鈥淭he Salish Class vessels are equipped with two elevators, if customers find that easier.鈥�

Moser, along with other passengers, noted the access doors to the outside decks have proven troublesome.

鈥淲hy would you put the door in the front into a headwind, and not on the side?鈥�

He also questioned its design, and added double automatic doors 鈥渢hat barely work 鈥�. (and take) 14 seconds to open鈥� and wondered why there are no push bars or handles on the doors to be opened and closed manually; rather they operate with hydraulics and require customers to press and hold a button.

Marshall said the sensors on the outer doors are sensitive, 鈥渨hich is an item we are working through. They are different from the doors on the Queen of Burnaby so we are educating our customers in regards to how to operate.鈥�

Other customers noted for the length of the sailing, the vessel is meeting their expectations.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a short trip. It鈥檚 not supposed to be glamorous,鈥� wrote Nikolas Glennie.

Marshall said overall, the corporation is very pleased with the performance of the ferry.

鈥淟ike anything new, it takes a little getting used to for both our crew and our passengers.鈥�