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Washington State Ferries follows a U.S. Coast Guard approved safety and security plan. All riders should be aware of the following:
All riders have an important role to play in preventing a terrorist act from occurring at a WSF terminal or on a ferry. Riders represent the best “eyes and ears” for detecting something out of the ordinary, or “just not right.” Here are a few suggestions of what riders can do:
Anyone driving aboard a ferry should be aware of potentially unsafe conditions and make every effort to create a safe environment. Drivers are responsible for the control of their vehicle and should make adjustments as needed to drive safely and avoid collisions.
If requested, terminal and vessel crews are available to assist drivers in navigating aboard a ferry, but each driver remains responsible for their actions and consequences related to the maneuvering of their vehicle. Refer to Revised Code of Washington 46.61 “Rules of the Road” regarding your legal responsibilities.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers may walk among vehicles in the holding lanes at all terminals for the purpose of ensuring illegal explosive materials are not taken aboard. The troopers may be accompanied by explosive-detection dogs. The dogs are trained to detect explosive materials only. If the dog detects explosive materials, the vehicle will be physically inspected and will not be allowed onto a ferry until the situation is resolved.
Federal regulations state that entry into a terminal and boarding a vessel are deemed valid consent to the screening or inspection of vehicles. Anyone who refuses a screening or inspection will not be allowed on board a ferry.
Once loading begins before each sailing, the captain’s permission is required to disembark the vessel. If a rider needs to disembark shortly after boarding, they will need to explain the circumstances to a crewmember. The crewmember will then alert the captain, who will resolve the situation and make a final determination. The captain may ask the rider to show a valid piece of identification.
If a person would like to assist a rider in boarding, but does not plan to travel themselves, they will need to alert a ticket seller or terminal employee as early in the boarding process as possible.
A rider that gets off of a ferry, or attempts to get off a ferry without permission will be considered suspicious and may cause sailing delays as the situation is investigated.
The USCG uses a three-tiered system of Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels to reflect the threat environment to the marine elements of the national transportation system in general or WSF in particular. Signs displaying the current MARSEC Level are posted in terminals and on vessels.