Government is preparing for a possible strike affecting the province’s ferry services.

Provincial ferry captains on five routes are represented by the Canadian Merchant Service Guild which has provided seven-day strike notice to government effective August 14.

An essential services schedule will be implemented on five routes should the ferry captains go on strike August 21.

The routes include the Bell Island-Portugal Cove run, the Fogo Island-Change Islands route, St. Brendan’s, Long Island-Pilley’s Island, and Ramea-Grey River-Burgeo.

Other routes will not be affected.

Commuters and travelers are encouraged to check the provincial government website—or call 1-833-NLFERRY (653-3779)—for schedules and daily service updates.