You may have to wait a little longer this summer if you want to visit Toronto islands.

New federal marine safety standards will only permit ferries to cross the harbour with only half the number of passengers, which is sure to test the patience of passengers waiting on the docks.

The oldest boats on the city's ferry fleet, the William Inglis, Sam McBride and the Thomas Rennie have to comply with current safety regulations as per Transport Canada's requests. The city has applied for an exemption to the regulations and is hoping to return to the previous capacity limits.

So far, Transport Canada has not made a decision on it, but it is reviewing the city's application.

The city had also planned to spend $5-million in 2009 to retrofit the three ferries with new engines and bulkheads.