Anti-terrorism Rules Affect US Ferries

The Associated Press

 

New anti-terrorism rules being considered by the U.S. Coast Guard could cause huge delays and wreak financial havoc on ferry systems operated out of Washington state, ferry operators say. 

At their most extreme, the proposed rules could virtually ground the state's ferry fleet, the largest in the United States.

 

"At the highest level (of security), it has been suggested the regulations could include screening 100 percent of cars and passengers. If that were the case, we would not be able to operate. There would be no schedule," said Patricia Patterson, spokeswoman for Washington State Ferries, which carries an estimated 26 million riders a year to 20 terminals in Washington state and British Columbia. Even at lower security levels, the new rules could have a devastating financial impact, Patterson said. 

 

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the state ferry system has taken added security precautions, including what Patterson called an "enhanced presence" by Washington State Patrol troopers on vessels and in ferry terminals. Patterson said other security measures also have been implemented, but she would not elaborate.

 

Under a homeland security law enacted last year, many U.S. coastal facilities, ports and ships must develop more stringent security plans by July 2004 and pay for guards, alarms, cameras and metal detectors.

 

As proposed, the rules would require ships that carry at least 150 passengers to pay for extra security and perhaps screen all passengers, cargo and baggage. The Coast Guard has left open the possibility of extending the rules to smaller vessels as well. 

 

The Coast Guard will release interim rules around July 1. After more public review, they will become final in the fall.