GALVESTON, Texas -- Vehicles boarding the Bolivar Ferry will be subject to random searches beginning Tuesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Officials said motorists, passengers and their vehicles will be subject to random searches before they board the ferry between Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula.

The new screenings are part of the U.S. Coast Guard Homeland Security Program.

The Texas Department of Transportation contracted SeaWolf Marine Patrol to perform the searches.

Authorities would not specifically say what the searchers will be looking for, citing sensitive information. They did say they are looking for anything illegal that could jeopardize safety.

Officials said motorists refusing searches would be denied boarding on the ferry.

Some drivers support the plan.

"I think it's great because of the terrorists," Don Brewer said. "Let them do it. All they'll find (in my vehicle) is beer, whisky and food -- all legal."

Alcohol is legal on Bolivar beaches, so transporting it on the ferry is allowed.

"This could be a perfect opportunity for a terrorist to say, 'Hey, look, they're probably not watching over these ferries so let's see if we can get something on here.' So, I think this will be good," Bolivar resident Adam McMeeklin said.

TxDOT said there is no intelligence report suggesting that the Bolivar Peninsula would be a target for terrorists.

Officials said the new screenings are part of beefing up mass transportation security everywhere by looking for anything illegal.

"Anything that could endanger the other passengers or the integrity of the vessel," said Bill Mallini, ferry operation's manager.