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.”
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
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.
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
Michel
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.
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.
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
Lloyd Chickitte
Skipper
Llyod has been working on the water since he was 16 starting as a commercial fisherman.
In skippering seine boats for 20 years and operating smaller vessels, Llyod has a depth of knowledge in various sized vessels and weather conditions.
Working for Qaya Way West has provided the opportunity to stay working on the water and use his experience and training to get passengers safely to their destinations and have a enjoyable trip along the way!
Jody Payne
Skipper
Jody is our newest member of the team and brings experience working on the water through aquiculture. Jody quickly learned the intricacies with out fleet of Vessels and has proven ability in learning quickly, embracing safety and has been getting to know our regular customers. Passion for operating vessels certainly runs in the family!
We are happy to have Jody as part of our team at QWWT!
Geord Dunstan
Skipper
Geord is an incredibly seasoned skipper, familiar with our fleet of vessels, qualified on all of them. As a seasoned Skipper, Geord is very comfortable in all the waters we operate and an expert in safety, regulations and has often lead training. Geord has worked on and off with Qaya Way West Transportation for several years and is an incredible asset to our team.