We've been living with this in the UK for longer than I've been walking the planet. The best weapon against terrorism is showing that it won't work. That their objectives will not be acheived.
Originally posted by knifedaddy84
Now I know the risks are real low, but it is scary. I found myself looking around. (I know, that's what the terrorists want, but I DO NOT want to go out that way. No way). 
That's only part of what they want. They don't want you wary, they want you afraid. They want to be part of every decision you make. They want sheep, not wolves. They want you to stop doing the things you normally do, going the places you normally go, etc. They want to be on your agenda. For the most part they don't even want you dead, that's why the IRA would often give good warnings before a bomb went off. They felt the political pinch when they let their anger and hate lead their actions.
9-11 was a big mistake for this reason. They created fear, but they also created resolve.
Originally posted by knifedaddy84
What is a good anti-terror (more likely peace of mind) "tool" for a ferry-hopping commuter?
You hit it on the head. Peace of mind. Your greatest tool is the peace of mind afforded by the best preparation you can make along with the best behaviour, observation and communication. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that we can't prepare for everything, or be vigilant enough at all times but that we as good as we can be. Prepare for the expected, expect the unexpected. But don't give up your life to it. Who wants to look back on the day they die and think "well, at least I didn't get blown up or poisoned, etc...but I sure wish I'd lightened up a bit and had a bit more fun...maybe in the next life"
As you said the risk is low. Once you're in the situation the stats change, and the risk is high. The ideas below can help reduce it. Also at some point you'll have to decide whether it is more important to help others or just concentrate on your own survival.
The 'say it, see it concept' is important. Everyone assumes that someone else will let the staff/police know about the unattended package, will give up the seat for the person feeling faint, will step in when someone is being harassed, etc. We've surrendered our personal responsibility to anyone and everyone we can. Don't assume that someone esle will report the package/scream/smoke. It doesn't matter if 2 or 10 of you do, but it will matter to someone if you don't.
Profile everyone. What are they wearing, where have they been, where are they going, sex, age, ethnicity, apearance, behaviour...but don't be ruled by your assumptions.
Observe and remember the people you become familiar with, talk to them (small talk, not tactical!) the people who know you will be your allies in a dangerous situation, but you, as a prepared individual, will have to lead them, so learn about leadership, communication, etc. Get to know the staff on the ferry (or wherever you go) and when they panic and you guide them, they lend you their authority. look for things that don't fit. Run through scenarios in your mind: hijack, explosion, fire, collision; pick out an 'enemy', decide on what his/her action is. What will you do? How will you do it? Escape, signal, comply, fight? Who are you with? Granny- comply or fight. Tactical GF- escape or fight. What are the variables? Unidentified accomplices (sleepers)? LEO who might mistake you for one if you fight? 50m from shore, or 1 mile? Can you swim? What resources do you have? Improvised weapons, other eqpt, cover? Where are you standing? Where *should* you be standing? what are the escape routes? where is the nearest phone? And so on...
Knife, flashlight, cell phone, first aid kit, buoyancy aid, all are part of your 'counter terrorist' kit but none will protect you without the knowledge, vigilance and resolve to put them to work. A first aid kit won't help you take out a lone bomber; a knife won't help you stop arterial bleeding (or will it?...quickly cutting out some material for a dressing or torniquet might make the difference for someone).
Sorry about the long post, I got a bit carried away.
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