Whidbey Island’s largest civilian employer has continued to operate during the shutdown, but with a modified work schedule designed to promote social distancing.

After Gov. Jay Inslee’s shut-down order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials at Nichols Bros. Boat Builders in Freeland moved quickly to make sure that their industry was considered “essential” and allowed to continue to operate, according to Kevin Corrigan, director of human resources.

He said the boat builders had a good case since the Department of Homeland Security lists such maritime activities as being essential. State officials agreed and added boat building to the list.

Currently, 240 people are working on several projects for Nichols Bros. The company had employed an additional 100 subcontractors because of the sheer amount of work it has, but their assignments were ended.

Corrigan said many of the subcontractors were from out of state and it seemed like the prudent thing to do, given the uncertainties of future restrictions throughout the country.

The employees, Corrigan explained, are separated into two groups that work 10-hour days three days a week; one works Monday to Wednesday and the other works Thursday to Saturday.

“It thins the ranks that are present at the shipyard at any one time,” he said. “It’s working.”

Employees are asked to maintain the six-foot social distancing guideline as much as possible while they are working.

Company officials put a lot of emphasis on educating about coronavirus prevention early on; Corrigan said that may be one of the reasons that no one in the boatyard has tested positive for the virus.

The number of people in the lunchroom is limited and people are encouraged to eat in their vehicles, Corrigan said.

“We are very accommodating of people taking time off,” he said.

Corrigan said the company is fortunate to have a lot of work in the pipeline. It just delivered the first of four tug boats being built for Foss Martime of Seattle. A ferry is under construction for Kitsap Transit. Crews are overhauling the ferry Sonoma for Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District.

“The impact of the virus will inevitably affect the schedule,” he said, pointing out that the company has significantly fewer workers and reduced hours in the work week.