Billy Bishop Airport introduces enhanced screening for ferry passengers

New enhanced security screening measures are now in place at Billy Bishop Airport.

As of March 12, passengers boarding the ferry for the island airport could be subjected to random bag checks.

“As part of security regulations put in place by Transport Canada under the Domestic Ferry Security Regulations, the enhanced screening procedure will randomly check baggage and/or belongs of some passengers for the presence of explosives,” PortsToronto said in a statement on its website.

“The random screening will be completed by swabbing the exterior of the baggage and/or belongings and analyzing the swab taken with a portable detection device.”

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READ MORE: No injuries reported in small plane crash at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport

It does not appear that the random checks will apply to passengers using the pedestrian tunnel.

Enhanced screening measures for electronics were already introduced at Billy Bishop Airport last year.

They include random searches or additional screening for any sort of electronics the size of a cellphone or larger.

READ MORE: Here’s what you need to know about new security measures for U.S.-bound flights

“All passengers should ensure that covers and protective cases can be easily removed and that their electronic devices are charged,” PortsToronto said.

“As a result of enhanced security screening measures, passengers may experience longer than usual wait times.”

VIDEO: Enhanced security screening begins for all flights headed to the U.S.

2:41 Enhanced security screening begins for all flights headed to the U.S.