Using the Ferry

To assist our passengers in using our ferry service, CTC has developed the following guidelines and policies. For a printable version of these policies, click here.

Boarding Vessels - Chebeague

At no time should a passenger board a vessel that is not securely tied to the float. Passengers departing from Chebeague may load their own freight and board the vessel at their leisure. In order to ensure a timely departure, passengers are encouraged to board the vessel at least five (5) minutes before departure time.

Boarding Vessels – Cousins Island

When departing from Cousins Island, passengers should carry freight to the float and return to the wharf prior to boat arrival. Freight should be placed away from the area where the boat will be docking so as not to interfere with the boat landing. Freight should not be placed on the float if it will interfere in any way with the crew or passengers disembarking from the ferry. The ferry will not land if passengers are on the float. Passengers arriving from Chebeague will disembark the boat upon arrival. Cousins Island passengers should make sure that the departure route is not obstructed with bags, animals, or people.

Passengers are asked to remain on the wharf until the boat crew has loaded freight and/or the Captain has indicated that it is safe to board the vessel. Passengers are asked to allow elderly, people with small children, and special needs customers to board first, as appropriate.

Disembarking the Vessel

Passengers are asked to remain seated while the vessel docks. Passengers should not step off the vessel until the boat is securely tied to the float and the crew indicates that it is safe to disembark.

Fare Collection on the Vessel

Fares will be collected by the deckhand. To expedite the process, passengers are asked to have their ticket books or money ready. CTC does not accept debit or credit cards. When the deckhand collects the fare, the passenger should inform the deckhand of any chargeable freight items. Personal bags and luggage are not chargeable. However, machinery, building supplies, garden plants and shrubs, household appliances and furniture, equipment, and recreational items (golf clubs, bikes, scooters, etc) are subject to a freight fee. More on personal and commercial freight fees.

Traveling with Animals

Animals should be leashed or in carrying cases. In respect for other customers, passengers are asked not to allow animals on the bus or vessel seats. Pets must be non-aggressive and under their owner’s control at all times. The bus driver and boat crew retain the right to deny transport of a dog that appears to be disruptive or a threat to other pets or passengers.

Priorities for Transporting Passengers

If either the ferry or bus is unable to transport all customers on one trip some passengers will need to wait for a second trip. In this case, boarding priorities will be:

1. Highest - Students traveling under the school contract

2. Second - Commuters

3. Third - Stockholders and Residents

4. Fourth - Remaining Passengers

5. Final - Freight

Passenger Behavior

CTC reserves the right to refuse transportation to any person failing to abide by its rules and regulations or those of the United States Coast Guard pertaining to the safe and efficient operation of passenger vessels, as specified in the latest revision of the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). By law, captains are required to take action to enforce those regulations. CTC may refuse transportation to any person:

1. Whose behavior is potentially dangerous to him/herself, other passengers, children or the vessel

2. Whose behavior is grossly disruptive to other passengers

3. Who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs

4. Who is incapable of taking care of him/herself

5. Who fails to abide by smoking regulations

6. Who fails to abide by CTC rules and regulations or those of the United States Coast Guard pertaining to

the safe and efficient operation of the vessels, or

Who engages in other serious or improper behavior.

Possible actions in response to improper behavior as specified above include:

Verbal and written warning

Refusal of transportation services

Suspension of transportation services

Termination of transportation service privileges.

Student Passenger Conduct

CTC has the authority to enforce student behavior rules in the same way a school bus driver can enforce discipline on a school bus. Deckhands and captains have the authority to inform students of proper behavior rules (including no smoking) and to warn them of possible disciplinary measures.

Smoking, Alcohol, Contraband

Smoking and consumption of alcohol is prohibited anywhere on all CTC vessels and vehicles at all times. No contraband substances (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) are allowed aboard any CTC vessel or vehicle. Any person having contraband drugs while aboard will be reported to the United States Coast Guard.