Our Team

Meet the Office Team

Jason Johnson

General Manager

Jason joined the team in December of 2023, coming with over 25 years of Economic Development and Hospitality experience. With passion for business development and guest service, he looks forward to continued growth for the company and working with this amazing team. "We are so fortunate to have such passionate and very knowledgeable staff working with Qaya Way West Transportation both in our office and on the water. Our clients can take comfort that they are travelling on some of the best maintained vessels, operated by reliable seasoned skippers that will get them there safely."

Marion Dickmeis

Office Manager

Chances are if you have called the office, Marion is the voice on the other end. Marion is no stranger to the area and has been building relationships with our customers every day and is very familiar with our schedules, clients and our business. She joined the company March 2022 and loves what she does. Marion leads bookings and scheduling, Accounts Receivable, and Accounts Payable. We are grateful she keeps us all organized!

Shale Byrne

Operations Coordinator

Shale wears a few hats and when she is not in the office, Shale is on the water in one of our vessels doing what she loves. She refuses to tell us what she prefers but we have our guesses! Shale also works with scheduling/bookings, and is qualified on all vessels in our fleet. Shale has a great working knowledge of our operation and experience on all the routes we operate, running in a variety of weather conditions. Shale joined the team May 2011 and brings years of experience to the role.

Ember-Lee Nuttall

Ember-Lee Nuttall

Customer Services Representative

Ember-Lee takes many of the calls from our valued clients that occur outside of regular office ours. Ember-Lee rejoined our team in 2023 but also has four years previous experience working with bookings for Way West under previous ownership. If you have a last minute needs, or require an emergency trip then chances are you have spoken to Ember-Lee.

Elizabeth Bettenson

Elizabeth Bettenson

Customer Service Representative

Elizabeth joined the team in 2022 and works with us seasonally as she is attending university. Elizabeth is an integral part of our office team and assists with bookings, customer inquiries and office administration. We are lucky to have Elizabeth as part of our team!

Dirk Albrecht

Dirk Albrecht

Dock Hand

Dirk has joined the team and brings his great attitude and a wealth of experience in warehousing and safe efficient movement of freight and equipment.  Dirk has lived on the island for five years, coming from the lower mainland and has not looked back since. Dirk loves working right on the water and assisting our clients.  He is a skilled multitasker and problem solver and an ambassador for our company. Dirk ensures our vessels, courtesy shuttle and passenger lounge is clean and ready and is instrumental in assisting our vessel operators dock and load and unload freight.   As one of the first faces you will meet, Dirk will be happy to help you!

Our Experienced Skippers

Jerry Weldon

Jerry Weldon

Skipper

Jerry has over 40 years experience on the water and a heart of gold. Always willing to help, Jerry joined the company in 2014. Jerry is a skipper that is happy to share stories and loves to point out places of interest along the way. He is qualified on all of the vessels in our fleet and is constantly looking for how to make the guest experience better. Jerry is a leader for safety for us and is one of the most friendly people you could ever meet!

Dave White

Dave White

Skipper

Dave is passionate about safety and ensuring the job is done right. Dave joined in 2012 and is one of our longest standing skippers. He has a wealth of experience and is qualified on all of the vessels in the fleet. Dave has many years of experience on the water and is passionate about providing the best service we can. Dave loves to learn and is constantly working to raise the bar for vessel maintenance.

Wayne Wright

Wayne Wright

Skipper

Wayne joined the team 2013 and loves what he does. He has been running boats on the BC Coast since 1988 from charters to commercial fishing vessels. Often Wayne will be the first to see wildlife along the way and loves that everyday offers something new. Wayne also knows some of the history of the area and is happy to speak to guests about the sights and sounds along the way. Wayne is qualified on all of the vessels in our fleet. Wayne is not only a Skipper but also a tour guide and love to take some amazing pictures of the scenery and wildlife along the many different places we go.

Ron Hackett

Ron Hackett

Skipper

Ron is a Skipper with Homalco Cultural and Wildlife Tours that also works with Qaya Way West. Ron joined the team in 2024 and offers a wealth of knowledge about the history and incredible wildlife of the area. Ron has many years on the water and in a variety of weather conditions. Ron is getting qualified on the Qaya Way West fleet but also has full qualifications on the landing crafts used by Homalco Cultural and Wildlife Tours

Al Dawson

Al Dawson

Skipper

Al has joined the Qaya Way West from Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours in 2024. Al is another Skipper with many years of experience on the water operating vessels from large to small all throughout the areas we operate. Al is qualified on all the vessels in the Qaya Way West fleet and is happy to talk to our guests about the history, wildlife and point of interest along the way. Al also has experience operating the landing crafts under Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours and holds a 60t ticket.

Michel Payeur

Michel Payeur

Skipper

Michel joined the team pretty much when it all started in 1996 and is our longest standing skipper. He has been with us through growth and changing routes and knows the business well. Another skipper with many years of experience, Michel is qualified on all the vessels we operate. A fountain of knowledge, Michel works almost every weekend and will be happy to talk about the journey along with way in the areas he knows so well.

Dom Ruegsegger

Dom Ruegsegger

Skipper

Dom joined the company in 2022 and works with us on a casual basis, assisting us with last minute bookings and added volume. Also qualified on all of our vessels, Dom is no stranger to waters in our area.