EN

Passenger Code of
Conduct

All aboard, Together.

At SF Bay Ferry, we have committed to making every trip safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for all. To help create a positive experience onboard and at our terminals, we have established a Passenger Code of Conduct and Enforcement Policy. These guidelines ensure that everyone can ride SF Bay Ferry without their experience being negatively affected by disruptive, unsafe or unwanted behaviors.

We ask that all riders treat fellow passengers and SF Bay Ferry crew and staff with kindness, patience, respect, and civility to ensure a pleasant and welcoming ferry experience.

Learn more about SF Bay Ferry passenger guidelines including: 

Accessibility
Pet Policy
Title VI

General Rules

All riders using SF Bay Ferry vessels or facilities are expected to follow the General Rules below, respect posted notices and signs, and follow direction of SF Bay Ferry employees when onboard vessels and while at terminals. 

  • Smoking or carrying an open flame or lighted cigar, cigarette or pipe, electronic cigarette device, or using any other tobacco product, is prohibited on all SF Bay Ferry vessels and facilities. Boarding or attempting to board a SF Bay Ferry vessel while under the influence of a federally regulated controlled substance or alcohol to a degree that presents a danger to the passenger, others, or interferes with the safe operation of the ferry, is prohibited. The possession or use of illegal drugs aboard SF Bay Ferry vessels and facilities is strictly prohibited. Passengers exhibiting signs of impairment or disruptive behavior due to intoxication may be denied boarding or removed from the vessel at the discretion of SF Bay Ferry representatives or law enforcement.
  • Carrying weapons, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, gasoline, highly flammable substances, radioactive materials, hazardous or toxic chemicals, or any other item that is either intended for use as a weapon or deemed by the crew to pose a hazard to SF Bay Ferry passengers, crew, vessels, or facilities, is prohibited at SF Bay Ferry facilities and on vessels. A violation of this section is an infraction under Section 19.8 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 99170 of the Public Utilities Code.
  • Animals that are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act are not permitted onboard, except in a secure and fully enclosed carrier small enough to be held on the passenger’s lap or fit under the seat. Animals posing a direct threat to the health or safety of others, creating a disruptive atmosphere, or not under control may be denied boarding or removed from the vessel. Passengers may be required to disembark if ferry staff determine the presence of a non-compliant animal poses a safety concern. It is a misdemeanor to knowingly and fraudulently misrepresent oneself as the owner or trainer of a service dog under Penal Code Section 365.7(a)).
  • Priority seating is for persons with disabilities and seniors, as required by the 22156066.1 Americans with Disabilities Act. Passengers are requested to yield priority seating and locations designated for use by persons using wheelchairs to persons with disabilities, persons using wheelchairs, and seniors.
  • Passengers must only occupy one seat on the ferry. Please do not place personal items or feet on seats.
  • Passengers must follow SF Bay Ferry crew instructions for loading, unloading, and stowing recreational mobility devices. Riding recreational mobility devices on vessels, ramps, and gangways is prohibited. Electric recreational mobility devices must be powered off and may not be charged on vessels. Recreational mobility devices must be securely stored in designated areas on the deck or stowed without blocking seats, aisles, doorways, or emergency exits. Gas-powered bikes, motorcycles, mopeds, and three-wheeled bikes are not allowed onboard vessels.
  • All passengers must pay the applicable SF Bay Ferry fare.
  • Boarding is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers are prohibited from cutting in line.
  • Disruptive behavior is prohibited at SF Bay Ferry vessels and facilities at all times. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, disorderly conduct, listening to music or audio without headphones/earphones, loud conversations or other behavior deemed disruptive to other passengers or by SF Bay Ferry crew members.
  • No interference with the safe operation of the vessel, including entering or attempting to enter any area not open to the public, blocking aisles or emergency exits, or threatening, harassing or intimidating any SF Bay Ferry passenger or representative.
  • No panhandling, soliciting or unauthorized advertising or selling of items.
  • While inside any SF Bay Ferry vessel or facility, individuals must wear: (1) a shirt or other upper-body garment; (2) pants, shorts, skirt, or dress; and (3) footwear. Infants are exempt from this rule. SF Bay Ferry will make reasonable exceptions to this rule for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.
  • No person shall stop, park, dock, land, or secure any vessel, boat, craft, or other water-related vehicles at or near any San Francisco Bay Ferry facility in a way that blocks San Francisco Bay Ferry operations, except in compliance with directions of WETA.

Enforcement Policy

The following procedures provide for the enforcement of violations of the Passenger Code of Conduct.

  1. Order to Leave: SF Bay Ferry reserves the right to refuse service to any individual who violates the Passenger Code of Conduct. A person refusing to comply with the Passenger Code of Conduct may be directed to leave a SF Bay Ferry vessel and/or facility by a SF Bay Ferry representative. If such person refuses to follow the SF Bay Ferry representative’s directions, the SF Bay Ferry representative may contact local law enforcement and such person may be subject to arrest for trespassing. In addition, such person may be subject to a warning, suspension, or ban from SF Bay Ferry service, as detailed below.
  2. Warning: SF Bay Ferry staff may issue a written warning for a first-time violation of the Passenger Code of Conduct or minor misconduct. A Warning Notice will be issued and will include a description of the violation(s) and applicable section(s) of the Passenger Code of Conduct as well as a notification that further violations may result in suspension or ban.
  3. Suspension: If a passenger engages in major misconduct or has repeatedly violated the Passenger Code of Conduct, SF Bay Ferry may determine a temporary suspension is warranted. A Suspension Notice will be issued to the passenger, indicating immediate suspension from SF Bay Ferry services, and will include a description of the violation(s) and applicable section(s) of the Passenger Code of Conduct, the duration of the suspension, and a copy of the administrative review form and instructions for appealing the Suspension Notice.Attempts to access SF Bay Ferry services during the suspension period may result in SF Bay Ferry issuing a Ban Notice and/or SF Bay Ferry pursuing legal action.
  4. Ban: SF Bay Ferry may ban a passenger from accessing its services if the passenger continues to violate the Passenger Code of Conduct after a suspension, or engages in major misconduct warranting an immediate long-term exclusion. A Ban Notice will be issued to the passenger, indicating immediate exclusion from SF Bay Ferry services, and will include a description of the violation(s) and applicable section(s) of the Passenger Code of Conduct, the duration of the ban, and a copy of the administrative review form and instructions for appealing the Ban Notice. Attempts to access SF Bay Ferry services during the ban period may result in SF Bay Ferry pursuing legal action.
Legal Remedies

If a suspended or banned individual attempts to access SF Bay Ferry services or facilities in violation of a Suspension Notice or Ban Notice, or if their behavior presents an ongoing threat to the safety of SF Bay Ferry’s operations, passengers, or crew, SF Bay Ferry may take further action, including but not limited to, contacting local law enforcement to arrest the person for trespassing or obtaining a temporary restraining order. Should SF Bay Ferry obtain a restraining order, said order will take precedence over any Suspension or Ban Notice issued by SF Bay Ferry.

Appeal Process

Passengers may appeal a Suspension Notice or Ban Notice by submitting a completed administrative review form provided with the Suspension or Ban Notice to SF Bay Ferry via the instructions in the notice within 10 business days of the effective date of the Suspension or Ban Notice. The Executive Director, or their designee, reviews all appeals of Suspension and Ban Notices and will issue a final written decision generally within 30 days of receipt of a completed administrative review form that has timely submitted. Such decision will detail whether the suspension or ban is cancelled, modified, or upheld. The decision may be personally delivered to or sent to the person by mail or email.

 

Download The Official Code Document

SF Bay Ferry Passenger Code of Conduct updated on November 13, 2025. 

Click below to download a PDF version of the current SF Bay Ferry Passenger Code of Conduct

SF Bay Ferry Passenger Code of Conduct

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Código de conducta del pasajero de SF Bay Ferry

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