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Ferries

Answer

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 2 April 2009, Official Report, columns 1420-421W.In addition:Passenger loading limitsThe Department for Transport places no absolute limit on the number of passengers that may be carried on any class of passenger ships (with the exception of classes VI and VIA, which have very restricted operations and are limited to a maximum of 250 and 50 passengers respectively). In general the vessel operator may design and equip the vessel to carry the number of passengers they believe there is market demand for.Regulations then require that appropriate standards of safety are provided to meet the risks posed by the vessel's service and the number of passengers carried. These address areas such as intact stability, freeboard, damage survivability, fire protection, provision of lifesaving appliances, manning levels, safety management, pollution prevention—in each case, the greater the number of passengers and the longer the voyage, the more comprehensive the technical requirements so as to ensure a level of safety appropriate to the risk. Other regulations also apply, but are independent of the number of passengers on board, e.g. for safety of navigation or provision of radios.Instructions to surveyors and other departmental guidance lay down requirements for passenger accommodation and seating, provision of sanitary facilities, and provisions for persons of reduced mobility. While this guidance does not have the force of law, surveyors will not recommend issue of a passenger certificate unless the vessel meets the required standards.On completion of surveys which take account of the above factors, the end result is the issue of a Passenger Certificate, which stipulates the maximum number of passengers and the total number of persons on board (including crew) that can be safely carried, and the minimum freeboard corresponding to the maximum draught (loading limit) which is marked on the side of the ship.Passenger countingThe Master is prohibited by The Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 1995 from having on board a greater number of passengers than that stated on the ship's Passenger Certificate. He is assisted in meeting this obligation by the Merchant Shipping (Counting and Registration of Persons on Board Passenger Ships) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No. 1869), supported by Merchant Shipping Notice 1794, which describes practical methods for counting and registering passengers.For voyages of less than 20 miles, the regulations require a count of passengers and crew and for this information to be held ashore for the duration of the voyage.This information is used to check compliance with safety regulations, and for search and rescue authorities, in the event of an incident.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

492 c1126-7W; 276112

Session

2008-09

Subjects

Ferries Passengers

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk