TRAVEL POLICIES

⏰ To ensure safe and efficient boarding, all passengers and vehicles must be ticketed and ready to board at least 1 hour before departure.

Hollis Terminal: Please arrive and check in by 7:00 AM for the 8:00 AM departure.

Ketchikan Terminal: Please arrive and check in by 2:30 PM for the 3:30 PM departure.

⚠️ Important:
Failure to comply with check-in times may result in the loss of your reserved space and denial of boarding.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our sailings on time and running smoothly!

🚗 If you’re traveling with a vehicle from Ketchikan to Hollis, you are required to:

Check in at the Ketchikan Terminal before boarding.

Pick up your boarding tickets and receive your lane assignment from our terminal staff.

Display your lane assignment: A sticky note with your assigned lane will be provided. Please place it in your vehicle’s window where it’s clearly visible to loading crews.

This helps ensure an organized and efficient loading process for all passengers.

🪪 A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all passengers aged 18 and older.

The Inter-Island Ferry Authority does not require a Real ID for travel.

Accepted forms of ID include:
State-issued ID or Driver’s License
TWIC Card
Photo Tribal ID
School or University ID
Employee Photo ID
Merchant Mariner’s Credential
Passport or Passport Card

Armed Forces / Military ID

🚗 If you are traveling with a vehicle:
A valid state-issued Driver’s License is required to board.

👥 Minors (Ages 16–17) traveling without an adult:
They must present valid photo identification.

For additional details, please see our Unaccompanied Minors policy.

👤 Passengers aged 12–15 years traveling without an adult:
Must complete an Unaccompanied Minor Form prior to travel.
📄 Download the form HERE.

👤 Passengers aged 16–17 years traveling alone:
Only need to present a valid photo ID at check-in.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact our Reservations Team at 866-308-4848.

⚠️ For everyone’s safety, certain materials are prohibited on IFA vessels.

Prohibited items include:
Explosives
Highly flammable materials
Corrosive substances

If you’re unsure about an item, please call us at 866-308-4848 before traveling.

Allowed quantities for transport (must remain in your vehicle):
Up to 30 gallons of gasoline
Up to 55 gallons of diesel or bar oil
A reasonable amount of helium
Up to 10 gallons of propane
Up to 11 pounds of fireworks (must remain in original packaging and stored in your vehicle)

✅ All fuel and hazardous items must remain in your vehicle for the duration of the voyage.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe travel environment for all passengers.

🎒 Walk-on passengers may bring hand luggage weighing up to 100 pounds per person.

Important reminders:
✅ Fish boxes do not count toward the 100-pound luggage limit and are subject to separate fish box fees and policies.
✅ There are no weight restrictions for luggage transported inside vehicles.
✅ Passengers are responsible for loading and unloading their own luggage, including placing it on and off the IFA luggage carts.
✅ All luggage is subject to security screening.
❌ Unaccompanied luggage is not allowed and will be confiscated if found unattended.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, please keep your luggage with you until it’s loaded on board.

For more information on transporting fish boxes, see our Fish Box Policy.

🚫 No, passengers are not allowed on the vehicle deck while the vessel is underway.

This is a U.S. Coast Guard regulation for the safety of all passengers and crew.

If you need to access your vehicle during the voyage, you must be escorted by a uniformed IFA employee.

If you anticipate needing items from your vehicle, we recommend bringing them with you to the passenger deck before departure.

🚫 No. Marijuana is strictly prohibited on all IFA vessels and terminals.

While marijuana may be legal under Alaska state law, federal law governs maritime transportation, and marijuana remains a federally illegal substance.

Key points:
The use, possession, or transportation of marijuana in any form is not allowed on board the ferry or in terminal areas.
Passengers found in possession of or under the influence will be denied boarding.
The IFA reserves the right to report illegal activity to the appropriate authorities.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

🐾 Yes! We’re happy to welcome your pets aboard.

However, during the 3-hour voyage, all pets must remain on the vehicle deck for safety reasons.

Pet Travel Guidelines:
Pets must be secured inside your vehicle or in a sturdy pet carrier placed on one of our luggage carts.
Please bring your own pet carrier.
Don’t forget to pack your pet’s favorite blanket, food, or snacks for their comfort during the trip.

🐕‍🦺 Service Animals:
Passengers traveling with a Service Animal may refer to our Service Animal Policy for more information.

If you have any questions about traveling with pets, just give us a call at 866-308-4848.

🪑 Yes—please be courteous to fellow passengers when choosing your seat.

Lounge Seating: Please avoid reserving extra seats for personal space or belongings. Let’s make room so everyone can enjoy the ride.

Galley Seating: Seating in the Galley area is intended for dining purposes only. We kindly ask that all food and drinks remain in this area.

What happens if I leave something behind?
🧳 If you forget an item on the vessel, baggage cart, or at the terminal:

All lost items are sent to the Hollis Terminal for safekeeping.

To retrieve your belongings:
📞 Contact either the Hollis Terminal or the Ketchikan Terminal to make arrangements for pickup.

Important:
🗓️ Lost items will only be held for 30 days before being disposed of or donated.

If you’ve left something behind, please contact us as soon as possible at 866-308-4848.

📞 We’re committed to making our reservation process accessible to all passengers.

If you require accommodations for hearing or speech difficulties, please contact the IFA using Alaska Relay Services:
Dial 711
Toll-Free: 866-338-0035
Direct: 907-338-0035
Voice Line: 800-697-5056

Our terminal agents will do their best to assist you efficiently and respectfully.

♿ Yes! Both IFA terminals and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

If you arranged for special accommodations during your reservation, please notify the terminal agent upon arrival so we can assist you appropriately.

For elderly or disabled passengers needing transportation to or from IFA terminals:
🚐 Information about available transportation services can be found:
At both IFA terminals
On board the vessel
Or at our IFA Craig office

If you have questions before your travel day, feel free to contact us at 866-308-4848 for more details.

🛳️ Our vessels are built to meet all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.

Key Accessibility Features:
🚪 Elevator access from the vehicle deck to the main passenger deck
🛋️ Wheelchair-accessible hallways, lounges, and galley seating
🚻 An ADA-compliant restroom is available on the main deck

Mobility Devices:
Passengers are welcome to bring personal wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids on board. You’re free to move about the main deck during the voyage, but please be aware that rough sea conditions may occur. For your safety, we recommend remaining seated during these times.

👥 Crew Assistance:
Our crew is available to assist elderly passengers and those with disabilities, as long as they have time and safety permits.

Designated Seating:
Accessible seating is available in the galley for passengers using wheelchairs who wish to dine during the trip. Please follow all posted galley seating rules while using this space.

Quiet Room Availability:
🤫 The vessel is also equipped with a “Quiet Room,” designed for passengers who:
Are ill or injured
Have medical conditions requiring privacy or a calm space

Quiet Room Details:
Accommodates up to two passengers
Must be requested prior to boarding
Use is subject to availability and approved by the Captain on a first-come, space-available basis
Passengers may be asked to share the room if needed

For more information or to request accommodations, please call us at 866-308-4848 before your travel date.

♿ Yes! Wheelchairs are available for passenger use during boarding, disembarking, and throughout the voyage as needed.

If you require a wheelchair:
Please notify terminal staff upon arrival or speak with a crew member onboard.

Dining While Using a Wheelchair:
🪑 Designated wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the Galley for passengers who wish to dine during the trip.

We kindly ask that all passengers using this seating follow vessel rules and regulations regarding Galley seating to ensure space remains available for those who need it.

If you have questions or need special accommodations, please contact us at 866-308-4848 before your travel date.

🕐 If you need additional assistance, we recommend arriving at the terminal at least 1 hour before departure. This allows our staff enough time to help you board safely and comfortably.

🚗 Upon arrival at your destination:
Please be prepared to disembark after all vehicles have cleared the car deck—this is typically about 15 minutes after arrival.

If you have specific needs or questions, feel free to contact our Reservations Team at 866-308-4848 before your travel day.

What safety procedures should I be aware of during my trip?
📢 Verbal safety announcements are provided at the start of every voyage to ensure all passengers are aware of emergency procedures and safety guidelines.

📄 Written safety instructions are also posted throughout the vessel for your reference.

👥 For elderly passengers and those with disabilities:
In the event of a safety drill or vessel emergency, you may be asked to muster in a designated location so crew members can provide appropriate assistance.

If you have any questions about safety procedures while on board, please don’t hesitate to ask a crew member. Your safety is our priority!

♿ Yes! All IFA vessels are designed to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

Accessibility features include:

🚪 An elevator providing access between the vehicle deck and the main passenger deck

🛋️ Fully wheelchair-accessible main deck, including hallways, lounges, and the Galley

🚻 An ADA-compliant restroom, conveniently located across from the elevator

Mobility Devices:
Passengers are welcome to bring their own wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.

Safety Tip:
During periods of rough seas, we recommend that all passengers—especially those with mobility needs—remain seated for safety and comfort.

👥 Crew Assistance:
Our vessel crew is available to assist you with moving about the vessel as needed, time and safety permitting.

If you have specific accessibility concerns, please contact us before your trip at 866-308-4848.

For passengers who may have a medical condition that requires privacy or for those who are sick or injured, the Quiet Room is available on the ferry. It can accommodate two people and must be requested before boarding. Please note that you may be sharing the room with another passenger during the voyage. The Captain approves all requests on a first-come, first-serve basis.

At IFA, we understand that some passengers may require the assistance of a Service Animal during their travels. Therefore, we are pleased to inform you that we do not charge extra fees, isolate passengers with Service Animals, or treat them less favorably in any way.

However, we do ask that the Service Animal be on a leash or tethering system at all times, unless the handler’s disability prevents the use of a tethering device (prior notice is required). Additionally, it is the responsibility of the handler to care for and supervise the Service Animal throughout the journey. We kindly request that handlers ensure their animals do not soil furniture, carpeting, or any other surfaces, as the IFA may charge for damages caused, similarly if damage were caused by other passengers. For the safety of all passengers, we do ask that animals that may pose a threat to others be muzzled.

As a passenger with a Service Animal, it is important to note that it is ultimately up to the Captain to determine if your animal qualifies as a Service Animal. They will also be responsible for making any necessary arrangements to ensure your animal’s safe and comfortable passage while traveling with the IFA. To ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the IFA terminal one hour before departure.

By Traveling with your Service Animal, you agree to comply with all policies and regulations set forth by the IFA to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers on board.

The full Policy of the IFA for Service Animals can be found here.

The IFA is dedicated to guaranteeing that individuals are not excluded from participating or denied benefits of its services based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, as outlined by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

Title VI Policy: The Inter-Island Ferry Authority is dedicated to guaranteeing that individuals are not excluded from participating or denied benefits of its services based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, as outlined by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
The IFA’s goal is to ensure that transportation services are of the utmost quality, regardless of one’s race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Additionally, they strive to identify and address any negative effects their programs may have on minority populations while promoting the full and fair participation of all affected populations in transportation decision-making. They also work to prevent the denial, reduction, or delay of benefits related to programs that benefit minority populations, and strive to provide meaningful access to programs and activities to those with limited English proficiency. Finally, the IFA ensures that its programs, policies, and activities have no disproportionately high and adverse effects on human health or the environment for minority and low-income populations.
The General Manager, senior management, supervisors, and all employees share the responsibility for carrying out the IFA’s commitment to Title VI.
Please contact Ron Curtis, General Manager, for more information including Title VI obligations and complaint procedures at [email protected] or 907-313-7589
A complaint may be filed directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights Attn: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor – TCR 1200 New Jersey Ave. Se. Washington, DC 20590.

If you have any concerns or complaints regarding discrimination, disability policies, or services while aboard the vessel or at the terminal, the Captain is your point of contact for the vessel and the Terminal Manager is your point of contact for the terminals. The crew and terminal personnel will do their best to resolve the issue to your satisfaction. If immediate resolution is not possible, they will provide you with the necessary information to reach the Complaint Resolutions Office (CRO). The CRO will respond to your complaint within 10 calendar days, in person if possible. If you are still unsatisfied, the CRO will provide you with instructions for submitting a written complaint to the IFA.

⚠️ Your safety is our top priority.

We encourage all passengers to familiarize themselves with the location of safety equipment and emergency exits as soon as they board the vessel.

In the event of an emergency:
📢 Our crew will make announcements explaining the situation and necessary steps to follow.
👥 Crew members will guide and assist all passengers through the proper safety procedures.

If you have any questions about emergency protocols, feel free to ask a crew member during your voyage.

🔐 The Inter-Island Ferry Authority follows a Security Plan approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Key security measures include:
🪪 All passengers aged 18 and older must present a valid government-issued photo ID before boarding.
🚗 All vehicles are subject to search prior to boarding.
🔎 Additional security measures may be implemented as needed for the safety of all passengers and crew.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and secure travel environment.

🚢 MARSEC (Maritime Security) levels are set by the U.S. Coast Guard and reflect the current security environment for the maritime industry, including ports, vessels, and other facilities near U.S. waters.

These levels help ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and maritime infrastructure by adjusting security measures based on threat levels.

MARSEC Levels Explained:
🔵 MARSEC Level I:
Standard security procedures are in place at all times. This is the default level and applies during normal operations.
🟠 MARSEC Level II:
Heightened security measures are implemented for a limited time due to an increased risk of a transportation security incident.
🔴 MARSEC Level III:
Maximum security measures are in effect when a transportation security incident is probable, imminent, or has occurred.

MARSEC levels align closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s threat advisory system, but are tailored specifically for the maritime industry.

Current Status:
✅ As of today, the U.S. Coast Guard MARSEC Level is MARSEC I.

If the MARSEC level changes, the IFA will adjust onboard and terminal security procedures as required.

For questions about security or MARSEC levels, feel free to contact us at 866-308-4848.

🔎 Yes. To ensure the safety of all passengers and crew, security screenings are conducted at our terminals and during vehicle boarding.

Here’s what you can expect:
All vehicles and individuals entering the terminal or vehicle loading lanes may be subject to search.
Unattended vehicles or vehicles/baggage linked to suspicious behavior will be inspected for incendiary devices, explosives, or other dangerous materials before boarding.
Random screenings may be conducted on ticketed passengers, their luggage, personal belongings, and vehicles in accordance with the current MARSEC level.

Exceptions:
🚓 Government-owned vehicles on official business are exempt from search, provided the driver presents proper identification.

Additional security measures:
📦 All ship stores and supplies are inspected for signs of tampering before being loaded onto the vessel.

For more information on threat levels, please refer to our MARSEC Levels section.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe travel environment.

🚭 Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on the vessel and must be done away from doorways to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers.

This applies to all forms of smoking, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes.

Thank you for respecting this policy and helping us provide a clean and comfortable environment for everyone on board.

🍳 Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner—and don’t forget the ice cream!

Both IFA vessels feature the “OUR T.E.A.M.” Café, offering a variety of hot meals, snacks, and sweet treats, including their famous pies.

🍽️ Galley Seating Reminder:
Seating in the Galley is reserved for passengers who are actively dining. Please be courteous and allow others to enjoy the space once you’ve finished your meal.

Our Café staff looks forward to serving you with a warm welcome and a smile!

⚕️ There is no ship’s doctor on board.

Our crew is trained to provide basic first aid only in the event of an emergency.

Passenger Responsibility:
If you have any medical conditions or may require special accommodations during an emergency, please notify the IFA prior to travel so we can assist as best as possible.

For more information or to discuss your needs, contact our Reservations Team at 866-308-4848.

🎬 During the voyage, we can play G-rated movies for your enjoyment.

If you’d like to request a movie from our selection, just ask one of our uniformed crew members while underway.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

🌿Passengers traveling aboard the M/V Stikine can take in the breathtaking sights of Southeast Alaska from our enclosed solarium—a comfortable space with large windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Whether you’re hoping to spot wildlife or just enjoy the scenery, the solarium is a great place to relax and soak it all in.