If you get caught out there in the fog without radar and worry about the location of the ferry simply call them on Channel 11. I normally just call "BC Ferry in the Nanaimo area". They always respond and are very helpful. In one case they even told me about other traffic they could see on their radar.

or get radar for your boat...

if you are in fog, channel 11 is called victoria traffic and all commercial traffic must moniter it, ferries call abeam ent island leaving dep bay and roger curtis on way over. tugs will answer also.

watch the train ships off entrance