Bainbridge Island residents shouldn’t be alarmed at a large Coast Guard presence today in Eagle Harbor and off the shores of the island.

“It’s just an exercise,” said Coast Guard Chief Robert K. Lanier, a spokesman for the Thirteenth Coast Guard District.

The Coast Guard, along with the Washington State Patrol, the Seattle Police Department and the King County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a full-scale training drill on ferry security and emergency preparedness with Washington State Ferries.

The exercise started at 6 a.m., and involves at least three Coast Guard vessels and an older ferry. The training will also be conducted in the waters north of Vashon Island to Edmonds.

Coast Guard officials said the exercise will include King County helicopters, which will deploy personnel descending on “fast ropes” onto the ferry.

Coast Guard boats will also carrying first responders who will board the moving ferry.

Lanier said the exercise will continue until 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29.

“There will be no disruption in ferry service,” he added.