Annual Report 1998

5. Report of the Ferries Working Group

Chairman

Members

Observers

Secretariat

Report

In June 1996, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued the guidelines "Recommendations on the Design and Operation of Passenger Ships to respond to Elderly and Disabled Person's Needs". The Working Group had contributed to the preparation of the guidelines.

The guidelines were referred to Member States who were asked "to bring the approved Recommendation to the attention of those concerned for action as appropriate".

In September 1997 the Marine Safety Agency (now the Marine and Coastguard Agency) issued a Marine Guidance Note (MGN 3I) to Naval Architects, Ship Designers, Ship Owners, Ship Operators and Ship Builders.

As only basic advice is provided in the IMO document, the Working Group have prepared supplementary detailed advice to assist all concerned in the interpretation and implementation of the Recommendation. This advice covers all phases of the journey by ferry including pre-journey information, access to terminals and vessels, shore to vessel transition, on board accommodation, information and announcements, as well as management and training.

The supplementary advice document will be issued in 1999 following consultation with ferry and port operators and with organizations representing elderly and disabled people.

A Draft European Council Directive which states "Companies should ensure that on board of their ro-ro ferries and high speed passenger craft... general information about the services and assistance available to elderly and disabled persons on board is made known to the passengers and is made available in formats suitable for people with impaired sight" has been given preliminary consideration by the Group.

The Draft European Council Directive was produced in response to a unanimous Council Resolution following the tragic loss of the "Estonia" The Resolution, among other things, called upon the Commission to submit proposals on:

• an expanded mandatory survey regime for all roll-on/roll-off ferries operating to or from ports in the EU prior to the start of a new service and subsequently at regular intervals; and
• a regime for the control of the safety of all ro-ro passenger ferries serving EU ports including the right of investigation of marine casualties.

It introduces a system whereby ferries would be required to be inspected by the host State for a ferry service before being permitted to operate that service. It also introduces a right for a host State to participate in an accident investigation for any ferry services operating to or from its ports. Currently, if an accident happens to a foreign registered vessel outside the host State's territorial waters, the host State has no automatic right to participate in any investigation, despite the fact that a large number of the passengers are likely to be citizens of that State. The Directive has been agreed (common position) by the Council of Ministers but not yet adopted. It is expected to be adopted early in 1999 and will come into force 18 months after its adoption.

The Draft Directive mirrors the IMO advisory circular in so far as it relates to the availability of emergency information which has been promulgated by the Marine and Coastguard Agency in their Merchant Guidance Note MGN 31. The Directive will turn this guidance into a minimum requirement.

During the year the group examined a report on the passenger ferry provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The report is an assessment of the feasibility of implementing that Act in the USA passenger vessel industry.

Although the ADA was "signed into law in 1990" no regulation under the Act for vessel access have yet been issued.

A Draft Code of Practice on "Ferry Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities", prepared by the National Transportation Agency of Canada was considered during the year in the preparation of the supplementary advice to the IMO Recommendation.

During the year members of the Working Group traveled on the HSS Venturer, operated by the Stena Group between Belfast and Stranraer. We considered that the facilities available represented a significant improvement, in terms of access and usage, over standard large ferries. A report of the visit was prepared and those aspects which could be improved were also identified.

Following the visit to the HSS Venturer the Group decided to build up a portfolio of good and bad design to assist in the provision of clear advice to port and ferry operators.

The Group has provided information to the Millennium Project to assist them in the consideration of the potential problems of incorporating, in the design of river boats, facilities for people with special needs.

In March 1998 Appledore Shipbuilders launched "Clansman7", a new passenger ferry costing £15.5M and capable of carrying 634 passengers, 90 cars and 10 HGVs During construction the Group were asked to give advice on the facilities to be provided for disabled people.

The results of the Questionnaire, sent to port and ferry operators were received during the year and the responses will be invaluable in assisting the Group to establish what has been achieved throughout the industry, to identify where the industry is falling short; to provide a basis for an audit of facilities and support services and to establish the Group's future work programme and priorities.

During the year the Group increased the representation from the industry to improve the direct experience available to the group and to help to ensure that the complexities of the industry are fully taken into account. As a result it will be more likely that advice and/or recommendations will be acceptable and thus more readily implemented.

The Group continues to provide advice and assistance to individuals, organizations and port and ferry operators when requested.

Bill Lee
Chairman

Ferries Working Group - Work Programme for 1999

During the year a number of issues have been identified and the Group's priorities for 1999 will be determined from the list below:

Publication of guidance document to accompany the IMO circular as sent out to the industry under cover of MGN 31.

Review of the responses to the Questionnaire and establishment of the current position in the industry of the introduction of measures to assist elderly and disabled people.

Preparation of an Access Audit Checklist for ports and ferries.

Preparation/availability of Disability Awareness Training Advice.

Consideration of small passenger carrying vessels.

Communications with, and advice to Tourist industry/ Travel Agents.

River boats serving the Millennium Project.

Access to cruise ships.

Terms of Reference for the Ferries Working Group

Any reference to DPTAC is to the Main Committee

1. The membership of the Group will be agreed with the Chairman of the Group and the Chairman of the DPTAC. Membership will be limited to no more than ten members.

2. The membership of the Group will include representatives from disability interests, shipping industry and other appropriate interests.

3. The Group will normally meet at least four times a year.

4. The Chairman of the Group will generally be a full time member of DPTAC and will report on the Group's work to DPTAC.

5. The group will:

a) consider issues affecting elderly and disabled people travelling on passenger carrying vessels.

b) consider requests from DETR and other Government Departments to DPTAC for guidance/advice on issues relating to passenger carrying vessels and make recommendations to DPTAC on those issues.

c) undertake such work as they, in consultation with DPTAC, consider necessary to progress the interests of disabled people in relation to travel on passenger carrying vessels.

d) raise issues, through DPTAC, for consideration by the DETR.

e) draw up guidance and codes of practice, as necessary, for clearance by DPTAC for publication as formal DPTAC advice.

f) provide advice to DPTAC, on consultation papers from Government and other organisations.

6. All papers submitted to the Group will be confidential to its members and details discussed within the Group should not be discussed with third parties, without prior agreement of the Secretariat.

Published 1 October 1999

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