Not only does the Coast Guard think they can override the Constitution of the State of Washington, they won't even show us the 'order' that supposedly gives them the authorization! Do you also get your shorts in a knot that you have your bags and shoes searched at SEA-TAC Airport?
Federal maritime and aviation regulatory authority trumps State Constitutions.
If you don't like it, don't fly out of SEA-TAC and drive around Tacoma to get to Bremerton or Bainbridge instead of taking the ferry.
A terrorist van packed with explosives detonating on the Bainbridge-Seattlle run would be quite an easy terror operation once we have rules that say that vehicles can't be searched and that Arabs can't be profiled.
You make excellent points. My earlier point was that Federal Maritime Regulations as enforced by the Coast Guard do not trump the US Constitution. As to how much power the Feds have to trump State Constitutions, in practice infinite, as originally designed in the Republic Period - few. Ref. 9th and 10th ammendment. The delegated powers include:
lay and collect taxes, duties, imports and excises
pay debts of the federal gov
borrow money on credit
regulate commerce with foreign nations, among states and with Indian Tribes
establish rules of naturalization
establish rules of bankruptcy
coin money
establish post offices
copyright laws
set up federal courts
define and punish piracy on the high seas
declare war
issue letters of marque
to raise armies
to provide a navy
call forth the militia
to rule D.C.
Which of those gives them the right to search ferries?
BTW: I agree it is a common sense thing to do, just that it's another poorly arrived at decision.