The Swan Quarter ferry heads for Ocracoke. Photo: C. Leinbach
The Swan Quarter ferry heads for Ocracoke. Photo: C. Leinbach

The sound-class ferry Sea Level has been repaired and was placed back in service on the Pamlico Sound yesterday afternoon.

With four boats running, all sound ferries are back on their full summer schedules, Tim Hass, NC Ferry Division spokesman, said today.

That summer schedule between Cedar Island and Swan Quarter is as follows:

Cedar Island to Ocracoke: 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

Ocracoke to Cedar Island: 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 9 p.m.

Swan Quarter to Ocracoke: 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

Ocracoke to Swan Quarter: 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m.

The vessel Sea Level had a damaged bow thruster, which put it out of service July 13 until it could be fixed this week with a replacement part, Hass said.  A bow thruster is part of the propulsion/steering mechanics.

The Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries leave from the south end of the island. Both charge a fee for all vehicles and walk-ons. Both crossing times are more than two hours.

As for the runs on the free ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke at the north end of the island Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday continue to be the heaviest volume days

Visitors to the island will have less of a wait if they arrive at the Hatteras terminal before 10 a.m. or after 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the North Carolina ferry system, click here.

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