Travel Information to Know Before You Go!
Wondering about departure times, or if we allow pets on the ferry? Or curious what all amenities are on board or if we’re ADA compliant? Maybe you’re traveling with a vehicle and want to know when you have to check-in? Check out the wealth of information below about the IFA before you arrive for your trip! Can’t find it, call our friendly Agents at 866-308-4848!
Requirements
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Check-in times are established to ensure safe and efficient boarding and security screening.
Vehicles (and its passengers) are to be ticketed and available to board one hour prior to sailing.
Passengers (traveling without a vehicle) are to be ticketed and available to board 30 minutes prior to sailing.
Non-compliance may result in loss of reserved space and denied passage for that sailing.
We depart Hollis at 8:00AM, arriving in Ketchikan at 11:00AM.
We depart Ketchikan at 3:30PM, arriving in Hollis at 6:30PM.
We do not sail on some major holidays, and departure and arrival times may be affected by weather conditions.
Book Your Travel Now!
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Persons traveling with a vehicle from Ketchikan to Hollis are required to check-in at the Ketchikan Terminal and be issued a lane assignment and pick up tickets. Persons traveling with a vehicle from Hollis to Ketchikan just pull up to the drive-up window and present your ID.
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A Valid Government Issued picture ID is required for all passengers. Children under the age of 18 accompanied by an adult presenting a valid ID are not required to provide ID. Unaccompanied Minors require a form signed by a parent or guardian. with a valid ID. The IFA does not require travelers to present a ‘Real Id.’
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Passengers must be at least 12 years of age to travel without an adult. Passengers 12 to 15 years of age traveling alone, must have a parent or guardian complete an Unaccompanied Minor Form. Passengers 16 or 17 years of age, must have a parent or guardian complete an Unaccompanied Minor Form or present a valid government issued photo ID prior to boarding the vessel.
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Passenger Code of Conduct
All passengers are expected to follow this Code of Conduct. Failure to do so will result in a No Sail status for the day.
Respect All passengers are responsible for treating our Agents and Crew with respect and courtesy.
Drugs & Alcohol are prohibited on all IFA premises. Passengers apparently under the influence, in possession of, or actively consuming any drug or alcohol will be denied passage.
Hostile & Abusive Behavior will not be tolerated by any customer toward an employee or any other passenger.
Failure to leave the premises when requested by an employee will result in local authorities being contacted and a No Trespass status issued for the passenger.
The IFA has ZERO tolerance policy for unacceptable behavior and is committed to keeping our employees and customers safe.
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Explosives or highly flammable materials and other corrosives may not be transported on IFA vessels, contact an IFA Agent or Crew Member if you have questions. It is permitted to take up to 30 gallons of gas and up to 55 gallons of diesel or bar oil in addition to what is held in the vehicle tank. It is also permitted to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of helium, 10 gallons of propane and 11 lbs of fireworks if in original packaging per vehicle.
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Walk-on passengers may bring hand luggage, with weight not to exceed 100 pounds per person. For security reasons, only items in the care and custody of a passenger will be accepted. Passengers are responsible for the handling and the safety of their luggage, including placing it on and off IFA luggage carts. There is no weight limit on luggage in a vehicle. Unaccompanied luggage is not permitted and will be confiscated. All luggage and vehicles may be subject to security search.
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Passengers are not allowed on the vehicle deck while vessels are underway unless accompanied by an IFA Employee.
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Regardless of recent measures in the State of Alaska that decriminalize marijuana, it remains a prohibited substance under Federal Law. The service the IFA provides falls under Federal jurisdiction, and Federal Law prohibits possession and transportation of cannabis including medical cannabis. Non- compliance of this regulation will result in denied passage for that sailing and may be reported to law enforcement official.
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It is the policy of the IFA that pets must remain on the car deck and stay in a vehicle or suitable, owner provided, pet carrier for the duration of the voyage. Due to Coast Guard regulations, passengers are not allowed on the car deck while the ship is underway. Pets traveling on IFA vessels should be able to be left unattended for the duration of the voyage.
Pets are not allowed on the passenger deck under any circumstance. Service animals are allowed on the passenger deck in accordance with IFA Service Animal policy. If you are traveling with a Service Animal, prior notification is required so that the crew can be prepared to accommodate the passenger and animal. Please contact IFA reservations at 866-308-4848 for additional information on traveling with a service animal.
Safety, Security & Policies
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The IFA is committed to providing safe, reliable, pleasant and accessible travel for all passengers regardless of age or disability pursuant CFR Part 39. The information contained Here is provided as a reference for passengers with disabilities, senior citizens, advocates and service agencies.The IFA offers a wheel chair accessible van to transport passengers with disabilities, senior citizens, advocates and service agencies between the terminal and vessel. Elevator access is available on IFA vessels, and public areas and one restroom aboard vessels are wheelchair accessible. Please contact a ticket agent or crew member if you require the wheel-chair accessible van or elevator.
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The Inter-Island Ferry Authority will operate its vessels so that they are readily accessible and usable for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is the policy of the IFA that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from or denied the benefits of, by reason of such disability, travel on IFA passenger/vehicle vessels. This includes the use of service animals by IFA passengers. Individuals requiring the use of a service animal will not be charged extra fees, be isolated from the rest of the passengers or be treated less favorably in any way. If you are traveling with a service animal prior notification is required so that the crew can be prepared to accommodate the passenger and animal.
Service Animal Definition and Description
Any guide dog, signal dog or other animal (generally a dog) individually trained to do the work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including but not limited to:
- Guiding individuals with impaired vision;
- Alerting individuals with impaired hearing;
- Pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items.
The service an animal provides must be directly related to the functional limitation of the person’s disability.
A service animal whose behavior poses a direct threat to the health and/or safety of others or is disruptive may be excluded from this policy regardless of training or certification. If the service animal is loud, not in control of the owner (jumps on people, etc.) or displays threatening behavior (such as growling or biting) the animal may be removed from the passenger area immediately and not allowed on the vessel in the future.
Not all service animals have certification or special identification papers. This documentation IS NOT a requirement to determine if the animal is a service animal. IFA may only ask general questions regarding the passenger’s disability and the service the animal performs for that passenger to make the determination.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, animals used for strictly therapy and emotional support animals ARE NOT considered service animals by the IFA.
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Passenger and crew safety is the IFA’s highest priority, and the IFA adheres to strict safety regulations set out by the U.S. Coast Guard to achieve this priority. The IFA recommends that all passengers inform themselves of where safety equipment and emergency exits are located. In the event of an emergency, passengers will be briefly informed of the nature of the emergency then instructed by ship’s crew on how to proceed. The IFA will provide written materials in alternative formats upon request.
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IFA operates under a Security Plan approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. All passengers 18 and over are required to present a valid government issued photo ID prior to boarding the vessel. All vehicles are subject to a search. Additional security measuresmay be imposed.
The Coast Guard has a three-tiered system of Maritime Security (MARSEC) levels consistent with the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). MARSEC Levels are designed to provide a means to easily communicate pre-planned scalable responses to increased threat levels. The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard sets MARSEC levels commensurate with the HSAS. Because of the unique nature of the maritime industry, the HSAS threat conditions and MARSEC levels will align closely, though they will not directly correlate. MARSEC levels are set to reflect the prevailing threat environment to the marine elements of the national transportation system, including ports, vessels, facilities, and critical assets and infrastructure located on or adjacent to waters subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S.
MARSEC Level 1 means the level for which minimum appropriate security measures shall be maintained at all times. MARSEC 1 generally applies when HSAS Threat Condition Green, Blue, or Yellow are set.
MARSEC Level 2 means the level for which appropriate additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a transportation security incident. MARSEC 2 generally corresponds to HSAS Threat Condition Orange.
MARSEC Level 3 means the level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a transportation security incident is probable, imminent, or has occurred, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target. MARSEC 3 generally corresponds to HSAS Threat Condition Red.
The Current U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security MARSEC Level is MARSEC I.
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All persons and vehicles entering the terminal are subject to search. Unaccompanied vehicles, suspicious vehicles and baggage of persons exhibiting suspicious behavior will be screened prior to boarding for incendiary devices, explosives or other implements of destruction, excluding government owned vehicles on official business when government personnel present identification credentials for entry. All ships stores will be inspected for tampering before these items are placed on vessel. Random screening for dangerous substances and devices will be conducted at a rate set by the current MARSEC Directive on ticketed passengers, baggage, personal effects and vehicles seeking to board a vessel.
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For the health and convenience of passengers, smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks and away from doorways.
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Kindly refrain from reserving lounge seats to the exclusion of other passengers and from using cell phones in the Forward Observation area.
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To provide you with the safest and most positive experience while traveling, the IFA requires Online bookings meet the following criteria. If any of these restrictions apply to your travel, please contact our Reservation’s Desk at 866-308-4848 seven days a week 8am to 7pm.
Online passenger bookings are limited to up to 10 passengers per booking.
Unaccompanied Minors (12 – 15 year olds) must be booked by IFA Agent and have a completed UNA Minor form.
You can book a vehicle up through 25′ long and up to 9′ wide Online.
AMCs, kayaks, canoes, inflatables and unaccompanied vehicles cannot be booked Online and must be booked by an IFA Agent.
Do not book a vehicle and a trailer separately in an attempt to keep length(s) under our maximum Online vehicle booking length of 25′. Vehicles not accurately represented may be denied passage for reserved sailing and rebooked for next available sailing and charged applicable rate.
There is a 6% Online fee applied to all reservations.
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The General Manager is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints about IFA’s operation or employees.
Complaints may be filed with the IFA in writing, addressed to General Manager, Inter-Island Ferry Authority, PO Box 495 Craig, AK 99921, by fax to 907-826-4849 or by emailing [email protected] We encourage use of the IFA Complaint/Comment Form, available at IFA terminals and aboard the ferries, or by calling 907- 826-4848.
Comments positive/negative will be answered by mail. If a comment is deemed to be serious in nature it will be handled as a complaint.
All complaints will be investigated within 30 business days of receipt. Once received, the complaint will be recorded and investigated. In instances where additional information is needed, the investigator will contact the complainant in writing. The complainant will be required to provide the additional information within 30 business days of the letter’s Postmark. Failure of the complainant to provide the requested information within this time frame may result in the administrative closure of the complaint or a delay in its resolution.
Based upon receipt of all information required, the investigation shall be completed within 30 business days of receipt of required information. Also within those 30 days the investigator will make a final determination and advise the complainant by letter of the findings. If the complaint is deemed valid the complainant will be advised of what actions will be taken to address it. If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, she/he has 30 business days from the postmark on the Letter of Determination to do so.
If the complainant has limited proficiently in English and needs information in another language or the complaint falls under Title VI, contact IFA Title VI Coordinator at 866-308-4848 ext #111 or by emailing [email protected]
A person may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration, at FTA Office of Civil Rights, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590.
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Welcome aboard the motor vessel Prince of Wales/Stikine.
Per US Coast Guard requirement, we wish to inform you that life preservers are located under marked seat benches in the aft lounge, solarium and the left side reading room. To access these, lift up on the seat cushions. In the forward lounge, life preservers are located under the forward windows in marked locations.
To put on the life preserver, unwrap the black strap, put the life preserver over your head, wrap the black strap around your back then place the snap into the ring. Pull the tail of the black strap until the life preserver is snug.
All passengers will be required to put on a life preserver at the Captain’s request.
The following sound is the General Alarm….If you hear this sound, the Captain will follow with instructions.
In the event of an emergency, please go to a Muster Station either in the forward lounge or to the aft lounge. We have four emergency exits on the passenger deck; one center aft, one off the forward lounge on the left side and one on either side of the center of the ship.
There are two throwing life rings on the hand rails at the back of the ship in case of a person overboard. Please inform crew immediately and keep an eye on the person in the water.
No passengers are allowed on the car deck while vessel is underway. Smoking is only allowed on the sides of the ship and away from any doorways, and no drug or alcohol use is allowed onboard.
Seating in the dining area is for dining purposes and all food is to be confined to that area. Any questions or concerns please ask any of our crew, and thanks for riding along!
Amenities
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Enjoy delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners for purchase in the “OUR T.E.A.M.” Café’ onboard either IFA vessel. Say Hello to their friendly staff, and don’t forget to try their famously scrumptious pies! Kindly refrain from using Galley seating after eating to the exclusion of other passengers wanting to dine.
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Facilities are provided for laptop computer use in the ship’s reading room. Electric outlets are 110-volt/60 AC.
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Ask a uniformed crew member about our G rated movie selection or let your children explore in the play area with toys and books.
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Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the outdoor heated solarium deck during the warmer months.
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Passengers are advised there is no ship’s doctor. Medical services consist of first aid only. It is the passenger’s responsibility to notify the IFA of any special accommodations that may be needed in the event of a medical emergency.
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The IFA vessels are also equipped with a “Quiet Room”. The Quiet Room can accommodate two persons and is reserved for sick or injured passengers or passengers that may have a medical condition that requires the need of a quiet, private place during the voyage. Passengers must request use of the quiet room prior to boarding the ferry and must be prepared to share the room with another passenger. All requests to use the Quiet Room during a voyage are approved on a first come, space available basis by the Captain.
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All items left on the vessel, baggage cart, or at either terminal are sent to the Hollis Terminal. Contact either terminal to arrange for pick-up. Call the Hollis or Ketchikan Terminal at 866-308-4848. All items not picked up within 30 days are given to P.O.W.E.R. in Craig.