The provincial government has no intention of calling in private operators to help provide service during the strike by marine captains.
People who live on islands served by the intraprovincial service are finding it very difficult with the number of runs significantly reduced.
One mayor says government should use private vessels to help meet demand but Transportation Minister Derrick Bragg says it is a legal strike.
He notes that government will provide air service in a medical emergency if a boat is not available.
Bragg says they respect their right to strike. Should the ferries be caught halfway across the run, he says they have air service for all island communities in question.
The boats have also been instructed to consider mail as an essential item.