Ferry

Ferry Accessibility

Minimum design standards for safe and accessible ships are set by EU law, as are minimum standards of service for all but the smallest passenger ferries. Among other things, these passenger rights standards include rules about accessibility of information, mandatory assistance for disabled people provided notice is given, the drafting of quality standards for larger carriers and terminal operators, staff training and complaints procedures.

The  Maritime and Coastguard Agency have a duty to make sure these rules are followed, with Transport Scotland having a role as a passenger rights complaints handling organisation.  Accessibility of ports and harbours is governed by the general provisions of the Equality Act 2010.

Ferry Operators

CalMac Ferries Ltd and Serco North Link Ferries are the major operators of ferry services in Scotland. CalMac Ferries Ltd has information about the accessibility and passenger assistance services which they offer on their website.

Serco North Link has a dedicated webpage describing the company’s accessibility policy and detailing how to use the on-board facilities provided for disabled passengers.