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ShareDogs sniff for ferry lineup bombs
By Jeff Nagel - Victoria News
Published: November 19, 2008 4:00 PM
Updated: November 20, 2008 10:05 AM
Bomb-sniffing dogs are being deployed to tighten security at B.C. Ferries' main terminals at Swartz Bay, Nanaimo and Tsawwassen.
Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said random screening of vehicles and baggage has been underway for the past six months at both the Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen terminals, as well as at Horseshoe Bay, Duke Point and Departure Bay.
"You'll have a handler with a dog walking up and down the lanes with the lines of traffic and in the baggage areas," she said.
The dog patrols are conducted by a privately contacted security firm.
Marshall would not say how much B.C. Ferries is now spending on the patrols, or on a broader set of security enhancements. Nor would she disclose where or how frequently dogs have been used.
The move is in line with new Transport Canada marine security regulations coming into effect next year.
Three bomb scares have targeted B.C. Ferries over the past year, including one hoax that triggered the evacuation of the Tsawwassen terminal.
Marshall said the ferry corporation is hopeful the security measures will help reduce passenger delays due to hoaxes as well as prevent actual sabotage or terror attacks.
She said the dogs aren't sniffing for drugs or anything other than explosives.
B.C. Ferries has also added more fencing, video monitoring and restricted-access areas. All personnel are also now required to wear identification badges.
editor@vicnews.com
