Ferries

Overview
Role of the working group
What we have done
What we are doing
Top Tips

Overview

Everyone should be able to get to, and use, ferries and passenger ships, including ports and terminals. For many people this is not currently possible due to barriers created by the design, management and operation of the ships, ports and difficulty getting to services.

The Government has asked DPTAC to advise on why this is the case and recommend strategic actions to address problems facing disabled people when rail services. Much is already being done.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to prevent the discrimination of disabled people. By 2004 ports and infrastructure will have to be accessible to disabled people.

The Government has indicated it will review the need for strengthening requirements for passenger ships and ferries if the guidance developed by DPTAC fails to produce an improvement in access for disabled people.

Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan for Transport makes a commitment that accessibility for disabled people will be a condition of public money being spent. Where public money is required for the future development or expansion port terminals and surface access routes, accessibility for disabled people will be condition of investment.

DPTAC will continue to consider the barriers to independent mobility and encourage the adoption of best practice.

Role of the working group

The Ferry Working Group (FWG) was established in 1993 with the aim of drawing up guidance on meeting the needs of disabled people.

Our main objective is to advise on improving access to ferry services for disabled people, taking into account complementary advice from other DPTAC Working Groups.

Our membership includes representatives from disability interests and those concerned with the regulation and operation of shipping and operators of ferries and passenger ships. We also have observers from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and other Government agencies.

Our role is to focus on the strategic issues. This enables DPTAC to be more effective in influencing the process and outcome in all areas rather than specific schemes. Our work helps to inform those seeking to improve access at a local level. Local people will be aware of how this guidance can be applied to local circumstances.

We advocate the promotion of an accessible transport system in the advice we give to Government.

An accessible transport system is one that recognises the need for every stage in the journey to be accessible to disabled people, from booking a ferry journey to travelling on board. It sets out to include as many people as possible. It does not attempt to meet every single need. Rather, by considering people's diversity, accessible transport systems try to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusion. In doing so it will often achieve superior solutions that benefit everyone.

What we have done

In the last twelve months we have;

• Published and launched guidance on the design and operation of large passenger ships and passenger infrastructure;
• Had a site visit to look at a small ferry and access for disabled people.

What we are doing

We are currently considering the following;

• Assessing effectiveness of guidance document after it has had time to be widely distributed.
• Considering developing specifications for Small passenger vessels.
• Producing and launching an Access audit checklist for ports.
• Responding to the DTLR Ports Policy Paper.

We welcome your comments and views on the issues raised above and any priorities not considered. Click here to e-mail us ideas.

Top Tips

If you are an operator of ferries or large passenger ships;

• Ensure your staff can demonstrate qualifications and competencies in access issues. Training courses are available;
• Ensure you follow recommended guidelines on access;
• Regularly review access for disabled people, perhaps using the experiences of disabled people with a range of impairments;
• Publish information on what you provide for disabled people;
• Ask disabled people what problems they experience using your services.

If you are a disabled person;

• Plan ahead and book assistance if required.

If you develop large passenger ships;

• Be aware of the guidance and good practice on accessible services.
• Consult disabled people when designing new products.

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