Tall Ships Visitors Urged to Bring Photo IDs

Visitors to Tall Ships should be prepared to show photo identification to gain access to the ships, organizers said today, July 29.

"People who have purchased boarding passes to visit the Tall Ships could be required to verify their identities with a photo ID," said Mike Patrick, operations manager for Tall Ships 2004, A Salute to l'Acadie. "We're telling people to come to the waterfront prepared to show their IDs to avoid disappointment."

Children under 16 are not required to have their own ID.

The requirement is part of new port security regulations that came into effect on July 1.

Day passes are available for sale at various locations along the Halifax waterfront for $10 each. Children under the age of 12 can board all ships free.

"Purchasing a boarding pass gives visitors an opportunity to board the ships and talk to the crew about their high-seas adventures," said Mr. Patrick. "These passes help ensure that access at a very reasonable price."

More information about Tall Ships Challenge 2004 and the boarding passes is available on the website at www.novascotia.com/tallships under Schedule, and on CBC's website at www.cbc.ca/tallships2004 .

Tall Ships Challenge 2004 -- A Salute to l'Acadie is being presented by the Waterfront Development Corporation. The event is sponsored by the province of Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Halifax Regional Municipality, Grou Tyme Acadian Festival, Aliant, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Alexander Keith's, Sobeys, Casino Nova Scotia, Captain Morgan, The Herald, McCain, Pepsi and Atlantic Photo Supply. CBC is also a sponsor and the host broadcaster for the event.