On the Islander: Ferry Riders Say Security Policy Will Not Float

By ALEXIS TONTI

On Tuesday morning the mezzanine deck of the Islander filled quickly: the tables went first, then the bench seating. The passengers went above - stopping for conversation or to buy coffee - and back down the starboard side, toting shopping bags and luggage and more than a few dogs.

Below, the freight deck remained quiet except for the hum of the engines. The sky and seas through the portholes were flat and gray, the ride calm enough for many to sleep in their cars for the 9:30 crossing.

But those passengers who chose to stay in their cars were acutely aware that a new Steamship Authority policy soon could force them abovedecks. And while a few were indifferent to the change, the majority of travelers Tuesday morning sounded in strong opposition.

"These new rules are a waste of time and energy. They should leave things the way they are," West Tisbury resident Tom Burke said bluntly. "I don't see what difference it would make in terms of safety to be sitting in our cars or upstairs."

"The whole thing is ridiculous," said Oak Bluffs resident Ken Pailler. "I really don't know what they think they are doing, or how they think they are going to enforce it."

"It's crazy. It doesn't solve anything," said Tisbury resident Frazier Colon.

The new policy that will ban people from staying in their cars on board the ferries was slated to take effect March 1, but was put on hold until the next meeting of the boat line board, in Woods Hole Thursday, March 18.

The policy includes a number of other safety and security measures aimed at bringing the boat line into compliance with the new federal Maritime Transportation Security Act.

"It seems that the Steamship Authority is trying to mandate ordinances that do not pertain to the situation at hand, and that they're trying to change for the sake of satisfying some other authority," said Mr. Burke.

Of the cars and trucks on the freight deck, nearly half - about 20 - were occupied by drivers and their passengers. Most were year-round Island residents who said they traveled on the ferries at least twice a month. Their reasons for criticizing the new policy were varied, but all expressed disbelief that SSA management continues to press for a policy that its ridership so widely condemns.

"People don't get enough privacy as it is on public transportation," said Mr. Burke. "Staying in our cars allows us to do work or business, without all that distraction upstairs. And in the summertime when it's so crowded, where are people supposed to go? Do they expect us to stand in the aisles if we can't find a seat?"

Mr. Pailler, who was traveling with Arleen Connolly, said they needed their truck, a Ford F-150, to transport glass to the Island for their framing business.

"We have to take this car because of our business; there is no choice," said Mr. Pailler. "And now we're paying an oversized rate. So if I'm going to pay more money for this car, then I am going to sit in it."

The rule imposing an extra fee on cars and trucks that are over 16 feet in length went into effect at the boat line on Jan. 1.

"We're always so tired when we come back," said Ms. Connolly. "It's easier to sit in the car and read and regroup. I understand safety is a concern, but this doesn't seem necessary."

"If there is a problem on the boat, I know how to get off," said Mr. Pailler.

Uncertainty about the reasons driving the development of the new policy also was widespread.

"We've been riding this boat for a long time," said Katharine Colon. "Change is always hard, but it is particularly hard if you don't understand why they're making the change.

"I'm just not sure what the purpose is. If they want to do surveillance, install cameras. If they're concerned about a fire, provide us with some real information about how to deal with an emergency."

"Seating is a problem, especially in rough weather," Mr. Colon added. "The boat gets crowded, there's nowhere to go. It just becomes hazardous if you are forced to stand."

A few minutes later Mrs. Colon got out to stretch her legs. She pointed to the narrow aisle between her passenger door and the next car. "I don't even think the boat is designed for people to get out of their cars."

Lorrie Pinckney, an Oak Bluffs resident traveling with her husband Nap, echoed the sentiment. "As it is now, we can barely open this door," she said, pointing to the side view mirror that jutted to within several inches of the support beam.

Mrs. Pinckney then held up the handicapped sign that had been sitting on her dashboard and declared: "We're not getting out. We just can't. I don't see how they can make me."