The Alaska Marine Highway System has implemented changes to our standard operating procedures to protect
against the transmission of COVID-19 on our vessels. The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority.
AMHS continues to work closely with Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to establish protocols
intended to protect everyone during sailings.
These travel protocols were developed with Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
specific to ferry travel and may be more restrictive than State of Alaska travel mandates.
Please review and follow all AMHS Travel Protocols when planning to travel by ferry and State guidance for all other travel.
Travel to Alaska – Rules for travelers arriving into Alaska from another state or country can be reviewed on the state
Traveler Information page.
Travel within Alaska – Rules for travel to or from communities not connected to the road system or marine highway system
are outlined in the Governor's Health Order No. 8.
Alaska has many small and remote communities that lack a robust healthcare system, and they may restrict non-essential travel.
Some communities may also have additional restrictions including testing or quarantine requirements upon arrival. Please check with the
local terminal or with the local communities prior to sailing for information regarding travel off the road/ferry system.
AMHS reminds Alaskans and visitors about the importance of adhering to the following protocols. If a positive case develops on a ship during transit, the health of all aboard could be impacted. This may include a required quarantine or isolation period for all aboard, with no access to public transportation for a minimum of 14 days. It is up to all passengers and crew to act responsibly so ferry service can continue in Alaska.
Passenger and Crew Protocols
All passengers and crew will practice appropriate physical distancing.
All passengers (over 24 months of age) and crew are required to wear face coverings while
INSIDE on our vessels and when inside any of our terminal buildings. Exceptions include when in a
stateroom, while eating, or in a vehicle while loading/unloading *(except when showing ID and boarding
passes to the Purser or other designee). To the extent possible, AMHS will make reasonable accommodation
for a passenger who is unable to wear a face covering due to a disability.
Further information on the current CDC requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs can be found here.
As of February 1, 2021 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an
order under Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act requiring persons to wear proper
face coverings when using public transportation systems to help reduce the introduction,
transmission and spread of COVID-19. AMHS currently requires passengers and employees to
wear masks inside, but the CDC order makes refusal to wear a face covering a violation
of federal law. The CDC order is located at https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Mask-Order-CDC_GMTF_01-29-21-p.pdf
Based on the CDC recommendations released on June 10, 2021 face masks will no longer be
required to be worn while on the OUTSIDE decks of our vessels, or outside and on AMHS
terminal property. However, the CDC continues to recommend wearing of masks in these areas by people who are not fully vaccinated.
There are currently no mandatory testing or screening documentation required for
passengers to board our vessels, however crew screening measures (see below) are still in effect.
Passengers will be allowed ashore at all port calls if there are no community
restrictions. There may, however, be community-based testing or quarantine restrictions upon
disembarkation. Please contact the local community for specific guidelines.
Testing Information (+)
Testing Information (-)
The following information pertains to testing and is provided for informational purposes only. Testing is not a requirement for passengers to board a vessel:
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is required to immediately report any illness of persons on board our
vessels to the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). New protocols
have been put in place to help avoid disruptions to service or create a situation involving passengers
quarantined aboard ship. All travelers and crew are expected to follow the above protocols.
A passenger or crew member who presents Covid-19 like symptoms while the vessel is underway will be
isolated and crew will follow the AMHS Pandemic Response protocol. The Master of the vessel will
notify the Coast Guard as required of any potential Covid-19 cases and follow their directions.
The Master will also inform AMHS shore side managers once USCG is notified about the potential Covid-19 case(s).
In the event that a COVID-19 case is confirmed onboard a mainline vessel the USCG and State
of Alaska DHSS have the authority to quarantine the vessel at the nearest safe port of call.
This may cause a risk of disrupted travel to passengers onboard the vessel which may last an
undetermined length of time until passengers and crew can be tested, all tests are negative,
and the vessel is cleaned and deemed safe to continue service. A disruption of travel may cause
travelers additional time and unanticipated expense.
Keeping our Travelers and Employees Safe (+)
Keeping our Travelers and Employees Safe (-)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the main federal response agency for maritime vessels.
The United States Coast Guard has forwarded precautionary information to vessel operators and AMHS is working closely
with both entities to ensure our methods and materials remain consistent and current for handling new developments related to the Covid-19 coronavirus.
Crew Screening
When crew members report aboard a vessel, at every crew change, the purser will require evidence of a
negative COVID-19 test result taken within 168 hours (7 days) prior to reporting for duty. OR a valid CDC
issued COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card showing a complete vaccination can be shown in lieu of a negative test result and declaration.
AMHS Cleaning and Sanitization
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) uses cleaning methods and materials that are meant to reduce the
potential for acquiring communicable diseases. These cleaning methods and materials are designed to prevent
the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19, Influenza A&B, Norovirus, and the multitude of other communicable
diseases. AMHS has reviewed our Infection Control Plan with all vessel and shore side employees and
modified our standard operating procedures to clean and disinfect passenger areas onboard state ferries
and in our terminal facilities more frequently to ensure passenger safety.
Here are the multilayer cleaning protocols AMHS has implemented to keep travelers and employees safe from communicable diseases:
Intensified Cleaning of our Terminal Facilities
AMHS has implemented the use of Virox wipes for cleaning high touch areas; such as ticket counter/window areas, doors and tables. All restrooms are disinfected three times per day and wiped down routinely throughout the day.
AMHS has implemented a NO contact policy between employees and customers and will put more distance between themselves and customers when providing assistance.
Implemented sanitization protocol after handling customer hand luggage, boxes and freight, on top of regular washing.
AMHS employees will no longer be handling customer credit cards, they will request that customers read the credit card details.
Signage with protocol for boarding vessels has been added to terminals and boarding areas.
Steps Implemented Onboard our Vessels
All restrooms are disinfected three times per day and wiped down routinely throughout the day.
High touch areas such as handrails, counter tops, door handles, drinking fountains and vending machines are sanitized several times per day.
AMHS has temporarily removed certain food service options such as; salad bars, self-serve and unwrapped food items from our cafes. These items can be requested from the cook, server or cashier.
AMHS is providing continuous training of our crew regarding CDC advised cleaning practices.
AMHS has updated the use of CDC recommended disinfecting and sanitizing products.
