Boliver and Other Texas Ferries

[cohiba550]

Went to a friends this weekend and had to cross the Boliver Ferry, have done this many times but this trip was a little different. They had random searches of vehicles! If I'm not mistaking they were TSA screeners.
Does anyone know when this started and what's the reasons?
Also is there any issue with CHL's?

[marksiwel]

http://www.houstontranstar.org/ferrywaittimes/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry is the bridge between two segments of State Highway 87. South of IH-10, State Highway 87 is the only highway around Galveston Bay. The free ferry service provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the only way motorists can cross the waterway between Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island.

I assume you are good.

Also you are on State Property so State laws should apply.

[57Coastie]

These random vehicle inspections were inflicted on TXDOT, the ferry operator, by DHS/CG following 9/11. The inspectors, the last time I checked, were "rent-a-cops" with absolutely no law enforcement authority whatsoever. They are generally taken as a joke. (I lived on Bolivar until Ike blew us away). As TXDOT contractors they have authority only to turn you away from the ferry, for what mysterious reason is unknown. They have been specifically instructed that whether or not you have a CHL or concealed handgun is none of their business. TXDOT has formally taken the position that if you possess a gun in such a way as is legal on the highway, then it is legal on the ferry.

Be aware, however, that frequently Galveston County Deppity Sheriffs are parked on one end or the other of the ferry route. (No donut joke, Sir!) They have been called by the rent-a-cops on occasion, but the only time I am personally aware of the rent-a-cop was censured by the Deppity for throwing his weight around. Frequently the deppities will check the date on your inspection and registration stickers.

Be advised that all the above is over a year old and can be out-of-date.

Jim

[gwashorn]

they made a mention that this was going on this weekend on last Friday's 5pm news. Not sure what prompted or why it was even news if this is routine. If not routine then maybe that is why it was on the news. Apparently from other posts here they have been doing this for quite some time, so my question is why was it on the news?

Gary

[blue]

Seems like a little old ferryboat would Really, Really, Really far down on on the bad guys list.



(Sadly-Just more empire building by the Thousands Standing Around bunch.)

[MoJo]

Seems like a little old ferryboat would Really, Really, Really far down on on the bad guys list.



(Sadly-Just more empire building by the Thousands Standing Around bunch.)

Sink it in the right spot you've blocked the ship channel.

[blue]

--just my $.02--

Seems like that would be 'local news' after a few days. (On the world wide effects).

They are after the big public attention, long time, big terror, effect. The actual damage is less important than the long term terror effects.
Malls, schools, mass public gatherings, famous places and the like, would most likely be far higher on the list. "Wall Street" is news world wide, Galvaston TX, by itself, not so much.

Regards,
Blue

[MoJo]

Disrupting traffic on the Houson ship channel would be world news for a long time. Can you imagine the effects of a 6-8 week blockage of a major international transport route? It would be a serious blow to the U. S. economy.

[marksiwel]

Disrupting traffic on the Houson ship channel would be world news for a long time. Can you imagine the effects of a 6-8 week blockage of a major international transport route? It would be a serious blow to the U. S. economy.

we have Bunker Busters that work in the water, use them

[MoJo]

Disrupting traffic on the Houson ship channel would be world news for a long time. Can you imagine the effects of a 6-8 week blockage of a major international transport route? It would be a serious blow to the U. S. economy.

we have Bunker Busters that work in the water, use them

???????? The debris would still need to be removed there isn't enough depth to leave it on the bottom not to mention recovery of the victims.

[marksiwel]

Disrupting traffic on the Houson ship channel would be world news for a long time. Can you imagine the effects of a 6-8 week blockage of a major international transport route? It would be a serious blow to the U. S. economy.

we have Bunker Busters that work in the water, use them

???????? The debris would still need to be removed there isn't enough depth to leave it on the bottom not to mention recovery of the victims.

Bomb it real good.
Recovery of the victims? Come on, burial at sea/cremation
Ok i'll stop.

I can name 10 targets that would do more damage in that area, and it would be easier to pull off than sinking a boat. (But I cant tell you because the FBI will kick down my door and drag me away)

[blue]

Them Bunker Busters sound like a Plan!!!!!

Move the ferry out of the way. Then widen and deepen the channel. No more problem and a better port, good training for the Air Force, plus jobs building all the block busters and fancy tourist hotels for all them cruise ships.





(J/K)

[glock17]

a couple months ago i went to roll over pass and had to cross the ferry. The guys that were doing the searches said they were homeland security. i was sitting passenger side in my friends truck and had set my glock in the glove box. They asked us to open the hood, tool box and glove box. They saw my glock and said nothing, i had my pulled my wallet out to have my chl ready to show the guy just in case. he said he didnt need to see it.... went pretty smooth. we were more worried about the gas can we had hid in the truck tool box, gas cans are not alowed on the ferry.

[Kevinf2349]

Maybe it had something to do with the first weekend of Mardi Gras on Galveston? Maybe they were 'sniffing' for drunk drivers?

[gwashorn]

Curious, no gas cans on the ferry? Then how do you take your boat across without a gas can? Just asking...


Gary