Ferries

Utilize ferry boat travel to keep you and your vehicles afloat
By Nikki Davis Ferry boat travel is cost effective and convenient under the right circumstances for your business journeying needs. Ferry service providers offer you a great alternative to congested highways and bridges, and many commuters in both the Seattle and New York areas are choosing to travel by ferry system than traverse via car or subway.

Ocean ferries and other ferry boats are even being used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to test advanced explosives detection technology as part of its multi-phased Security Enhancement and Capabilities Augmentation Program (SEACAP). The SEACAP was designed for the maritime environment, and the pilot program for SEACAP gives TSA the opportunity to network with different ferry operators around the US.

To locate the right ferry company for you:

1. Assess your departure and arrival destinations.

2. Determine if there are multiple ferry operators in the area or if you are only left with one choice.

3. Consider purchasing your tickets early or in quantity for possible discounts.

Start with a ferry specific directory

Even ferry operators have their own industry specific directories. Start there to locate the right ocean ferries or passenger ferries for you.
Try:  Youra Guide offers a by state directory of ferry services. Geocites also offers a guide by state for ferry companies. The list is split by East Coast and West Coast.

Find the right ferry boat for you or your business

Check out the services of specific ferry boat companies to look at their costs and their schedules.
Try:  Check out the ferry schedule at Alaska Ferry Adventures. Bay Ferries Limited offers a number of ferry services between Maine and Nova Scotia. Viking Travel, Inc. helps you easily book your ferry travel. Look at the New York Harbor commuter ferry routes at the New York/New Jersey Port Authority site.

Look for added perks on your ferries or brush up on the industry

Find out what your ferry is doing to help the environment, or find out if they have the latest in technology. Ferries that have spent the time to update their outfits are definitely looking out for their customers.
Try:  Washington State Ferries are testing a biodiesel fuel project for their ferries and offering their patrons Wi-Fi. Look at more information on the state of the industry at Captain Clark's Fast Ferry website.

• If you are traveling with a personal or company car, don't leave anything valuable in it. You will be away from it long enough for potential thieves to break in on the ferry.
• If you are traveling to another country, e.g. from Maine to Nova Scotia, be sure and research what identification documentation you need to bring along with you to enter or exit the country while traveling by ferry.