The new MV William Frankland went out of service on Monday for maintenance. (Courtesy of the Canadian Ferry Operators Association)

The new $5-million ferry between White Head Island and Grand Manan is docked for maintenance just a few weeks into full-time service.

The captain decided he was uncomfortable with one of the steering mechanisms on Monday and the new vessel, the MV William Frankland, was exchanged for the old one at North Head on Grand Manan.

Some White Head residents are worried about the gap the changeover left in ferry service.

Normally, a provincially-owned ferry travels between the two islands about 10 times a day and will make the trip any time there's an emergency.

But there was no ferry for at least four hours on Monday while the vessels were switched, said lifelong resident William Trecartin.

With the closest hospital 20 minutes away by boat on Grand Manan, it could have meant the difference between life and death for the estimated 185 island residents, he said.

'Unless they try to call around and try to find someone at home to answer the phone so a fishing boat can come in and pick them up and take them to Ingall's Head, they're done.'—William Trecartin, White Head resident

"There is no way to get off of White Head. Unless they try to call around and try to find someone at home to answer the phone so a fishing boat can come in and pick them up and take them to Ingall's Head, they're done."

Semi-trailers and small trucks involved in aquaculture and fishing industries also rely on the ferry for pickups and deliveries.

The vessel also serves as a school bus for students who require transportation to Grand Manan.

Murray Ryder, the president of Coastal Transport, which operates the ferry, said Monday's situation was unusual and it wasn't practical to have a backup vessel.

"It's not like an auto rental," he said.

"Not too many companies have a whole lot of ships standing around just in an emergency. But there should be some backup plans for the longer term."

People with fishing boats often step up in an emergency, said Ryder. The company doesn't enlist them for help, however.

The MV William Frankland replaced the MV Lady White Head, due to its age and limited capacity.

The MV Lady White Head was built in 1976 and can only accommodate eight cars. The new ferry is designed to carry 12 full-size passenger cars and 32 passengers.

This is not the first time that a new ferry has run into problems.

The Grand Manan Adventure has been docked at least three times since it came into service in August.