The Steamship Authority announced Wednesday that it would stop requiring require masks on board ferries or shuttle buses. The announcement follows an update from the U.S. Coast Guard which said in a marine safety bulletin that it would stop enforcing directives for face coverings.

“Accordingly, the Steamship Authority will no longer be requiring masks to be worn at its terminals or on its ferries,” the announcement said. “Masks are also no longer required on its shuttle buses in accordance with a similar directive issued Tuesday by the Federal Transit Administration.”

The boat line said further that it would still encourage travelers to wear masks indoors.

“Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 . . . we encourage and support any passengers or employees who choose to do so. Should the federal guidance on mask directives change, the authority will adapt its policies accordingly,” the announcement said.

The change is effective immediately