Design of Large Passenger Ships and Passenger Infrastructure:
Guidance on Meeting the Needs of Disabled People

Introduction

In June 1996 the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) issued guidelines entitled ‘Recommendation on the Design and Operation of Passenger Ships to Respond to Elderly and Disabled Persons’ Needs’. Member states were asked ‘to bring the approved Recommendation to the attention of those concerned for action as appropriate’.

In September 1997, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a Marine Guidance Note (MGN31) to naval architects and ship designers, owners, operators and builders. Both documents are reproduced at Appendix 1.

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), through its Ferries Working Group, contributed to the preparation of the IMO guidelines and fully supports them, but considers that they provide only basic advice.

The IMO guidelines cover the design and operation of a new passenger ship, with the emphasis on ro-ro passenger ferries which are part of the transport system.

This DPTAC guidance document has been prepared by the Ferries Working Group to support and assist all concerned in the interpretation and implementation of the guidelines to address the needs of the wide range of elderly and disabled people using large passenger vessels, particularly ferries.

It is estimated that around 20% of the UK’s adult population has some form of disability. Some people will have more than one disability. The following figures illustrate the numbers involved and the range of improvements from which they would benefit.

• 8 million deaf and hard of hearing people, including 2 million hearing aid users, would benefit from visual information systems

• 8 million people with arthritis would benefit from level surfaces, seating, handrails and lifts

• 1.7 million visually impaired people would benefit from colour contrast, tactile surfaces as well as audible information systems

• 0.8 million wheelchair users would benefit from lifts and ramps

There is also a close correlation between disability and age - two thirds of disabled people are elderly. The number of people over 60 years is expected to double over the coming decades, and with higher expectations among that group for travel, there is a huge potential market of additional passengers for the shipping industry.

From the beginning to the end, the journey must be accessible. Disabled people need to know that it is before they start out. The lack of an accessible taxi, or the absence of assistance on arrival at a port can prevent a disabled person using the services.

This advice covers all phases of a journey, including the pre-journey information, access to terminals and vessels, shore-to-vessel transition, on board accommodation, information and announcements, and management of training. In addition to their application to new vessels, it is strongly recommended that owners or operators of any passenger vessel should take due account of this guidance when planning refurbishments of vessels or terminals.

Published: 29 November 2000

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