Shepler’s business philosophy, company culture, and service model all begin with safety. The safety of our guests and our cast members remains paramount as only in a safe environment can people enjoy the service and experience we provide on the Straits of Mackinac. From the early days of the original, six-passenger Miss Penny to our flagship, 281-passenger Miss Margy, safety serves as an immutable standard for Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry.

This insignia serves as a pledge to our guests, a coat of arms for our cast, as well as a symbol of confidence, consistency, and commitment. Confidence in the work we perform. Consistency in how we perform the work, and commitment to our guests and teammates to operate safely at all times.

Developed around the First World War, the International Code of Signals describes a visual system that allows for sailors to communicate with one another. In keeping with this nautical tradition, the flag on the coversheet signifies Shepler’s Safety and Security Program. With our company’s emphasis on safety, Shepler’s adopted and applied the “Sierra” flag as the symbol of our Safety and Security Program and issues this insignia to our Shepler’s cast members.

Following September 11, 2001, like much of our country and the world, an emphasis in security measures naturally merged with our existing safety program. Over the years since 9/11, Shepler’s continued to further develop industry leading practices in safety and security. In building upon this rich tradition, Shepler’s recently adopted a symbol of safety and security for our company; the international code flag “S” or “Sierra” – a blue rectangle surrounded by a larger white rectangle.

Cast members earn this insignia only after successful completing the Shepler’s safety and security curriculum. Every member of the Shepler’s cast undergoes;

• thorough training (formal instruction on safety and security procedures),
• specialty drills (the demonstration of an individual safety or security skill set), and
• team exercises (a rehearsal scenario in which cast members must combine multiple aspects of training and the subsequent skill sets to best simulate a real world incident).

Shepler’s training includes, but is not limited to; man overboard recovery (MOB), fire suppression, first aid as well as CPR & AED education, elements of marine security (MARSEC), inflatable buoyant apparatus deployment (IBA), and a familiarity with incident command systems (ICS).

Certain specialized positions require more robust vetting.

Our Dock Leads and Senior Qualified Deckhands (SQDs) apply for and maintain Department of Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC). A major component of the TWIC process is a Transportation Security Administration biometric background check. Furthermore, those Leads and SQDs receive supplementary, job specific safety training and security responsibilities.

Our boat Captains, in addition to holding TWICs, must obtain a 100-Ton Masters License. However, those two credentials are not enough to “earn your bars” at Shepler’s. Captains must earn their way from working our docks and decking our vessels before making their way to the pilothouse. After significant, observed time at the helm, Captain’s must successfully complete and pass “Captain’s Training”; a boat handling course designed by the Shepler family (a family who has traversed the Straits of Mackinac for four generations).

Our ground transportation requires equally demanding standards. Our drivers maintain passenger endorsements on their driver’s licenses, perform pre-and-post use inspections, and are audited routinely for safe driving practices. This is in addition to the regulatory processes of the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, and MDOT. Furthermore, Shepler’s is a proud participating member of the American Bus Association and the Bus Industry Safety Council. These two professional organizations pride themselves in developing, discussing, and demonstrating best-practices for safety and security.

Our marine service experience and expertise extends beyond the Detroit Diesels in our fleet. Our crew has certified technicians for Yanmar, MerCruiser, Westerbeke, Universal Marine Power, and Crusader. Our mechanics, and the work they perform, allow Shepler’s to carry over 600,000 guests per season to and from Mackinac Island; on-time and in-style.

Our Safety and Security Program incorporates the environment as well. Our maintenance department selects cleaning products that are environmentally responsible. Most of the products we use are either water soluble or biodegradable. Stewardship and sustainability help us keep our lakes clean.

We thank you for participating in our safety and security program. We look forward to hosting you to our home port.