Security – A WSF Priority
The safety and security of our passengers is the top priority here at Washington State Ferries (WSF). As a consequence, and in response to both today’s world affairs and new federal security regulations, a new norm exists at the ferry system.

Both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have been warning that public transportation and ferry systems are vulnerable to a potential terrorist attack. So, it should come as no surprise that Washington State’s ferry system, the nation’s largest, is at risk.

The ferry system has been working in close cooperation with our security partners - the Washington State Patrol and the US Coast Guard. With their help, WSF prepared a plan aimed at protecting the ferry system’s passengers and satisfying the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002.

WSF’s new security plan is designed to keep ferry passengers safe while allowing the ferry system to maintain its sailing schedule.

Security Measures
The backbone of the WSF security plan is formed by the implementation of security measures or procedures, which are made a part of the WSF daily routine. Examples of measures being implemented by Washington State Ferries include:

All Vehicles Subject to Security Screening
Washington State Patrol Officers, or teams of Officers accompanied by explosive-detection canines, will be present in the vehicle holding lanes. If the dog detects explosive materials, the vehicle will be subject to physical inspection and won’t be allowed to board the ferry until the situation is resolved. The dogs are trained to detect explosive materials only.

WSF and WSP are implementing vehicle screening because it is mandated by the new security regulations, because it is a vital part of the WSF security plan approved by the Coast Guard, and because it is an appropriate and responsible security measure in light of WSF’s operations. Anyone denying the screening will be prohibited from boarding the ferry.

Once loading has begun, the Captain’s Permission is Required to Disembark the Vessel
Passengers cannot leave the vessel without permission once they have boarded. WSF understands that there may be legitimate circumstances when a person may need to disembark shortly after boarding. The customer will need to explain the circumstances to the WSF employee at the boarding plank or on the car deck. The employee will then alert the Captain, who will resolve the situation and make a final determination.

If a person would like to assist a customer 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.

No Unaccompanied Freight Shipments
Washington State Ferries will no longer transport unescorted or unaccompanied freight. This new policy includes blood shipments, medical equipment shipments, architectural drawings, luggage, and prescriptions, all of which have been transported as freight in the past.

Some of the new security procedures will continue to be phased-in over the coming months and years. Security hardware such as surveillance cameras, additional fences, lighting, and access controls will be added as time and resources allow.

• Hazardous materials (Title 49 CFR, Parts 170-180)
• Explosives or incendiary devices (Title 33 CFR, Part 6)
• Chemical, Biological or Radiological Agents or Devices (Title 33 CFR, Part 6)
• Unlawful or Illegally Possessed Firearms (9.41 RCW)
• Illegal Fireworks (70.77 RCW)
• Acetylene Tanks

• Propane tanks:
  Customers may bring propane on board the ferries, in limited quantity. You may carry up to one freestanding propane tank in addition to those installed in recreation vehicles, not to exceed 100 pounds water equivalent weight each (approximately 25 gallons).Vehicles transporting a combination of propane and gas may only transport a maximum of one barbeque-type propane tank in combination with up to a maximum of 6 gallons of gas.
  
  Regulations require that all propane tanks be turned off and secured, unless they are the primary fuel source for your vehicle. Alert the ticket seller and he/she will give you a tag for your tank.
  
  
• Gasoline:
  Gasoline may only be transported in properly capped portable containers (total quantity not to exceed 12 gallons) in a vehicle. Each container is limited to (6) gallons and must be UL or USCG approved and in good condition. All vehicles must have gas caps.
  
  
• Pressurized tanks: (oxygen) must be capped

WSF follows Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.41.050 for carrying firearms.

RCW 9.41.050

(1)

(a) Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol.

(b) Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. Any violation of this subsection (1)(b) shall be a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and shall be punished accordingly pursuant to chapter 7.80 RCW and the infraction rules for courts of limited jurisdiction.

(2)

(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

(b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

(3)

(a) A person at least eighteen years of age who is in possession of an unloaded pistol shall not leave the unloaded pistol in a vehicle unless the unloaded pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

(b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

At Maritime Security (MARSEC) Level 1, which represents normal day-to-day security, only select measures contained in the ferry system security plan will be implemented. Signs are posted regarding the current maritime security level is in effect.

At higher MARSEC levels, more security procedures will apply. For example, at times of heightened security, the new regulations require more vehicle screening. Washington State Patrol troopers may need to supplement the canine screening with physical inspections of enclosed compartment areas to meet the vehicle screening requirements. A typical physical screening will include a visual inspection by a trooper of enclosed compartment areas such as a trailer, canopy, passenger or engine areas.

What Passengers Can Do to Help
We all have a role to play in ferry security. Passengers are recommended to:

Be Alert; Don’t be Alarmed; and Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Report suspicious persons, objects or activities to crewmembers. Suspicions should be based on activity, not what someone looks like. Examples of potentially suspicious behavior include:
• Unusual photography of ferry operations.
• People displaying heightened interest in secure areas onboard the ferries.
• Suspicious questioning of WSF personnel about security procedures.
• People critically observing ferry operations while taking notes or making computer entries.
• Suspicious waterside activities in and around docks and ferries.

Arrive Well in Advance of Preferred Sailing
WSF routinely asks travelers to be at the dock 20 minutes prior to sailing. During the busy summer months, passengers should build extra time into their schedules to accommodate the heavy ferry use and potential vehicle screening.

Do Not Transport Explosives Aboard the Ferries
Explosives-detection canines can detect the presence of even small amounts of explosive material. This includes fireworks. Passengers should not transport illegal fireworks aboard Washington State Ferries.