Grant Overview

In the fall of 2005, John Fortugno, Director of the Homeland Security Institute (HSI), a division of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, applied for and received a highly competitive $1,000,000 Homeland Security Grant to bolster safety and security efforts related to terrorism concerning U.S. ferry system responders, and the Washington State Ferry System (WSF) and its passengers. The grant was one of 13 awardees among over 400 applicants.

Project Partners include

Ferry Passenger Partnership Program Rollout - May 25, 2007

Left to Right:
Charlie Axton - Division Director FEMA Region 10 Response and Recovery,
Commander Mark McCadden - USCG District 13, Lieutenant Steve McCulley - WSP,
Sharmila Swenson - Director 1st Dist. Office of Representative Jay Inslee,
John Fortugno - Director of Homeland Security Institute,
Scott Davis - WSF Safety & Security Manager

The Washington State Department of Transportation / Washington State Ferries, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Emergency Management Division, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Pierce College (Center of Excellence for Homeland Security), Clover Park Technical College / Rainier Media, Olympic College (Readiness Response Institute) and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Why the grant was awarded

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified ferry systems as the number one potential maritime terrorist target in the U.S. The Washington State Ferry System is the largest in the nation. An attack on one of the larger commuter boats could result in a higher number of deaths than an attack on commercial aircraft or trains. Ferries are also continually at risk of an accident or a natural disaster.

What the grant includes

There are two overarching outcomes of the grant. The first is to train emergency responders who would interface with ferries in times of crisis, and the second is to train ferry passengers.

These two main elements are provided for in the Emergency Responder Interface with Ferries (ERIFS) Curriculum and Training Program and The Ferry Passenger Partnership Program.

Will train ferry passengers (particularly commuters who spend significant amounts of time aboard ship) about ferry-related security issues. This effort is intended to help ferry riders become an integrated part of the overall maritime security effort.

According to the 9/11 Commission Report, “private sector citizens are likely to be the first to respond” to most terrorist attacks. This is particularly true in threat scenarios involving ferries. The passengers – on the water and isolated from first response professionals – will depend on themselves, and a small number of crew members to respond to an incident. Engaging the ferry-riding public in an awareness program will help make them a part of the solution for first responders, rather than a part of the problem.

Ferry passengers are a captive audience. Their time aboard ship and in passenger and vehicle holding areas present a unique opportunity to provide on-site training in the operational environment where it is most applicable.

Videos

A series of short films has been produced which impart program basics. Subjects include: “A Plan to Keep You Safe”, “Meet the Crew”, “Alert, Not Afraid”, “Lifejackets”, “Assembly Stations”, and “Emergency Evacuation Plan”. The videos will be delivered via flat panel displays aboard high density vessels (Wenatchee & Tacoma) and terminals (Seattle, Anacortes), as well as the international route (Anacortes to Sidney Canada) terminal.

Video Flat Panels and Server

The video panels are networked with a server which allows for commercial programming, real-time traffic information, and tourism promotion spots - in addition to the airing of the safety and security videos. Through commercial air time sales, the system will become fully self-supported, and will require no future public funds to support their maintenance. Initial funds came from the federal government, Department of Homeland Security.

New Safety and Security Brochures and Posters

In addition, newly developed safety and security brochures and posters will help to further these messages.
View Passenger Security Brochure
View See Something - Say Something Posters

Websites for public questions regarding the program

For additional information about the Ferry Grant contact John Fortugno at Ferry Responder Training Inquiries , or the WSF website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.

Additional Program Marketing:

Plans include marketing events such as:

Using “Project Impact” televised program to further our messages using a panel of partners to discuss program elements and outcomes
Taping program, distribute to local cable access stations in and around the Puget Sound
Developing Radio/Television Public Service Announcements
Attending Emergency Response conferences to further project
Inviting government officials to press coverage events
Using ferry database to forward interest and understanding of curriculum
Inviting televised and print news coverage to FPPP and curriculum roll out
Using Ferry Advisory Committee to inform island communities
Developing Brochures focusing on ERIFS course and training opportunities

Click on the image to view PDF for April / May 2007 Sound Crossings newsletter