Bomb-sniffing dogs added to security on BC Ferries

Passengers may see some four-legged security guards patrolling British Columbia ferry terminals in the near future.

Bomb-sniffing dogs will soon start scanning the vehicle lineups, as well as foot passengers and baggage areas, BC Ferries spokesperson Debra Marshall said Friday

The dogs will be sniffing for bombs, not drugs, she said.

The company is complying with new federal security regulations that take effect next year and passengers will notice some other differences, while other new measures will remain secret.

"There are some things that customers will notice, and of course there are other things that we're just not willing to divulge, other security procedures that we have in place," said Marshall

"We've got designated restricted areas. We've got more closed circuit television monitoring, new signage," she said.

In December and July 2007 two bomb threats forced the temporary disruption of ferry services.