Bulletin No.: 10/1992

Date (Y-M-D): 1992-09-01
 

Subject: Safety of Passengers and Vehicles Embarking/Disembarking from Ferries

Attention is drawn to Section 404, Canada Shipping Act which requires the master of every ship carrying passengers to provide a safe means of access, which is adequately lit at night, between ship and shore. In this regard, the following safety precautions should be observed:

1. A responsible person should be designated and in control at each means of access or egress whilst passengers and/or vehicles are embarking or disembarking. Whether single or multiple access points exist, there should be one person identified as being responsible for advising the master, by a direct mode of communication, when the embarkation or disembarkation process is complete and the means of access and egress is secured.
2. Embarkation or disembarkation should not be allowed until the ferry is made fast to the dock. Good seamanship, requires the vessel to be securely moored.
3. Foot passengers should not be permitted to use vehicle ramps whilst vehicles are being embarked or disembarked, unless an independent and permanently fenced walkway is provided. Where passengers are expected to remain in or near their vehicle, the vehicles should be parked with sufficient clearance to enable passengers to get out, if necessary.
4. Terminal personnel should regulate the pre-boarding assembly of vehicles and foot passengers and should advise the responsible person at each point of access when no more passengers or vehicles will be boarding.
5. Vehicles containing dangerous goods shall be segregated and embarked separately.
6. Ships' masters are reminded that the total number of persons on board shall not exceed the certificated capacity of the vessel, and that the number of crew available shall be sufficient to assist passengers in times of emergency.

These precautions should be incorporated into the ships' operational manuals. All personnel engaged in duties related to the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers and vehicles should be thoroughly trained in these procedures.

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