Homeland Security Grants at Work
Safety, Security and...LCD Monitors?
Safety and Security at Washington State Ferries (WSF) is going high tech, thanks to a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
WSF, in partnership with the Homeland Security Institute, installed LCD monitors on the M/V Tacoma and M/V Wenatchee, as well as at Colman Dock (Pier 52) and the Anacortes Terminal. After several weeks of testing, the monitors are ready to go live for the pilot test which kicked off on Thursday, May 24, with a morning event at Colman Dock.
The pilot test is scheduled to run through the end of September. If successful, the LCD monitors could become a permanent fixture on some WSF vessels.
The LCD monitors are part of the Ferry Passenger Partnership Program, which is designed to educate and engage ferry passengers and public safety professionals by raising awareness of safety and security precautions and procedures. WSF and Rainier Media produced several short videos which will be shown on the LCD monitors as a part of the program. The system will also provide real-time messaging using Internet-based media controllers to present information such as security updates, current road and traffic conditions, weather forecasts, Amber Alerts, delays in departures or arrival times, and sailing schedules.
There were also various agency representatives onboard the M/V Wenatchee and M/V Tacoma answering passenger questions about the new system. Several of the new Passenger Safety and Security videos were unveiled, along with new passenger security brochures and posters.
Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 11:51:44 EDT