Washington State Ferries is expecting to be busy this July 4th as many locals and tourists attend the various fireworks displays around the Sound.

Ferry users should remember that security measures require ferry crews to clear the vessels at each port and urges those hoping to watch fireworks from the deck of a ferry to consider other viewing areas, on shore, or near the ferry docks.

Customers transporting fireworks onboard a ferry should be aware that an important part of the ferry system's overall security plan is the use of explosive detection canine teams to screen vehicles. The dogs are trained to sniff out explosives, which includes fireworks. This means that vehicles carrying fireworks should anticipate and allow for screening time.

It is suggested that fireworks be placed somewhere in the vehicle that is readily accessible during the screening.

"Your cooperation and timely response to making your fireworks available for inspection by our canine teams will assist us in keeping our printed schedule," says Traci Brewer-Rogstad, director of Marine Operations.

The ferry system routinely advises that customers in vehicles arrive at least 20 minutes in advance of the scheduled sailing time.

Every year the fireworks display on Lopez Island attracts a large crowd. This year, Washington State Ferries has developed a creative schedule to assist customers to get to and from the islands before and after the event. On Thursday, June 29, the 160-car ferry, Kaleetan, will provide a 1:40 p.m. sailing to Lopez and Friday Harbor and a 3:15 p.m. sailing from Friday Harbor to Anacortes. On Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6, the Kaleetan will make an extra 3 p.m. sailing from Friday Harbor and a 3:35 p.m. from Lopez to Anacortes to pick up extra traffic that made it a long holiday weekend.

The Port Townsend/Keystone route will be on a regular sailing schedule throughout the weekend, including Tuesday, July 4.

There will be an extra roundtrip sailing on the Mukilteo/Clinton route on both Thursday, June 29 and Monday, July 3 at 8:55 p.m. from Clinton and 9:25 p.m. from Mukilteo. The Mukilteo/Clinton route will be on a holiday schedule on Tuesday, July 4.

The Edmonds/Kingston route will also run on a holiday schedule Tuesday, July 4. There will be an extra 12:20 a.m. from Kingston and 1 a.m. from Edmonds on Tuesday, July 4. Offloading from the 12:05 p.m. sailing to Kingston on July 4 will be delayed for Kingston's annual Fourth of July Parade, which passes near the terminal. Customers trying to catch the

12:50 p.m. from Kingston to Edmonds may also be delayed arriving at the terminal because of the parade.

The Seattle/Bainbridge Island route will be sailing on a holiday schedule on Tuesday, July 4.

The Seattle/Bremerton route will also be on a holiday schedule on Tuesday, July 4 with an additional sailing at 10:10 p.m. from Bremerton and an 11:30 p.m. sailing from Seattle to help customers return home after the firework shows in Seattle.

The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will also sail on an augmented holiday schedule on Tuesday, July 4 with an extra sailing at 11:45 p.m. off Vashon Island added to the regular Tuesday schedule. There will be no passenger-only ferry service between Seattle and Vashon on July 4.

Point Defiance/Tahlequah will operate a holiday schedule on July 4th, which includes an extra run during their regular midday tie-up. This route will have an extra 1:45 p.m. from Point Defiance and a 2:15 p.m. from Tahlequah on Vashon Island.

For more information, contact Washington State Ferries at 511 or1.888.808.7977.