The problems with the Northern Adventure show why safety needs to be reviewed at British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., said NDP ferry critic Gary Coons.

"People have a right to be concerned," said Coons. "It's still disturbing that a year after the Queen of the North sank, they allowed with many issues the replacement Northern Adventure to sail."

The Tyee reported yesterday that records obtained through access to information from Transport Canada show the vessel was certified to carry passengers despite a list of 17 deficiencies and the failure to submit a required evacuation analysis.

"It sort of gets people wondering whether we've got to revisit where we are with safety on ferries," said Coons. "We've always said people want and deserve a reliable, affordable and safe ferry experience."

Coons said the NDP has been calling for a follow up on former B.C. auditor general George Morfitt's 2007 review of safety at the publicly owned ferry company. He also said he's hopeful ferry commissioner Gord Macatee will look at safety and the public interest in his ongoing review of the Coastal Ferry Act.

BC Ferries needs to be under closer government scrutiny, he said.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.