What types of security procedures should a traveler expect? By entering the Ferry property, people agree to searches of their baggage,vehicle, person or property and to provide a photo ID upon request.

Baggage search policies on ferries vary significantly depending on the route, the country, and the level of prevailing security threats. On large international "cruise-ferries" (like those crossing the English Channel or the Baltic Sea), security protocols are increasingly similar to airports. Passengers often go through X-ray machines and metal detectors, and their checked or carry-on luggage may be searched by security personnel. For domestic ferry routes, such as those in the Greek Islands, the Seattle-Bremerton route, or the Staten Island Ferry, bag searches are generally less frequent but still possible under "random screening" protocols. Security teams often use canine units to sniff for explosives or narcotics as passengers board. On high-speed vessels like the Key West Express or various Mediterranean catamarans, carry-on bags are frequently checked for prohibited items like outside alcohol or weapons. While the atmosphere on a ferry is usually more relaxed than at an airport, the crew always maintains the right to inspect any luggage for the safety of the vessel. In 2026, many major ports have implemented "contactless" AI scanners that can screen bags for threats as passengers walk past, reducing the need for manual searches.