Ferry child supervision policy changes questioned

Calls have been made for changes to the adult-to-child ratio policy for group ferry travel on Isle of Man Steam Packet vessels to be reversed.

The rules, implemented on 24 October, mean bookings of nine or 10 must include two adults, with a further chaperone needed for every five children thereafter.

Tynwald members questioned the treasury minister about the potential additional burden of the change on staffing school trips on and off the island.

The Steam Packet said the revised policy was based on safety, which it it could not "compromise" on.

In a statement the firm said it understood "the concerns of politicians, the public and business owners regarding economic and social impacts of our policy decisions".

However it said its "first priority" was to "ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, crew and vessels at all times".

"We can't compromise on this," it added.

The new rules were among a raft of changes to the company's schedule, which also included the introduction of free travel for all children under the age of 16.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson said since the change came in there had been 37 group bookings on the Manxman and 49 on the Manannan, and confirmed no trips had been cancelled as a result of the changes.

He revealed on average crew members received between three and four verbal complaints each sailing, and staff would have to speak to group leaders two or three times about behaviour.

MHK and former teacher Jason Moorhouse said he was worried about the future effect on local pupils' education, as it could make it increasingly difficult for schools to organise trips away.

Julie Edge MHK called the changes "absolutely ludicrous" as a mother could make a booking for up to seven children without an additional adult.

She also said organisations like the outdoor activity provider the Venture Centre had experienced "huge cancellations".

The centre's Simon Read confirmed the business had lost potential bookings as a result of the changes.

He said the centre usually told the Steam Packet about planned trips for the forthcoming year in advance, with the operator making the reservations for them when the group bookings opened each year.

However Mr Read said they were now working with schools that were struggling to meet the new criteria by sending their own staff to accompany groups to and from the island.

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