Washington State Ferries has announced it will devote additional resources to improve service for Friday’s Seahawk’s game, which is expected to draw considerable foot traffic.

The announcement comes in the wake of a particularly taxing month for the ferry system, including the most recent debacle wherein an overloaded Seattle-bound sailing from Bremerton was forced to turn back late last week. Passengers aboard the ferry who were heading to last week’s Seahawks game were ordered off the vessel after it was discovered to be carrying too many passengers.

WSF spokeswoman Marta Coursey announced improvements in terminal staffing, communication with customers, loading procedures as well as safety and security.

“We’ve increased staff at Seattle, Bremerton, and Bainbridge terminals to help load and count passengers,” she reported. “We have added an extra sailing on the Sealth this evening – 10:15 p.m. out of Bremerton and 11:30 p.m. out of Seattle. Terminal supervisors will remain onsite until the event ends. Terminal management will be present at all terminals.”

Increased communication, she explained, will take the form of detailed travel alerts, a visual paging system and more frequent announcements both within the terminal and through the media.

Coursey also noted that, “Supervisors will review loading procedures with all staff ahead of time,” and “supervisor will be in close communication with Captain.”

Safety, Coursey explained, remains the WSF’s top priority.

“Safety of our passengers is our highest priority,” she said, adding that today’s sailings will see an increased presence of the State Patrol and the Coast Guard.