How safe are ferries in Europe?
Passenger safety and security policies
The simple answer is: they are generally very safe. In fact, ferries are normally considered one of the safest means to travel in Europe. In fact, the European Union (EU) has applied certain regulations concerning safety on passenger ferries (ro-ro) with which all operators operating in European ports should align.
Find out more about security standards on European passenger ferries, such as hygiene policies, Covid-19 measures, safety rules and infrastructure.
Large cruise ferry in European waters
On-board safety and security policies
Check out some of the basic practices and measures that aim to guarantee passenger safety on-board ferries traveling in Europe.
Passenger security
All ferry companies operating in Europe should follow the ISPS code (International Ship and Port Facility Security) to ensure a secure trip for the passengers. This means that routine security checks on passengers, luggage and vehicles are likely to occur.
To be able to enter the ferry, all passengers should be able to present a valid photo ID upon boarding, such as passports or international ID cards with a photograph.
Safety policies and equipment
Ferries in Europe are very well organized in terms of on-board safety and are normally equipped with high-level safety systems and infrastructure, including:
- Life-safety means, such as life jackets with their own light and whistle, life buoys, and lifeboats, placed all around the vessels
- Fire prevention, detection and extinguishing systems (smoke detectors, fire safety doors, etc.)
Moreover, the crew of European ferries is normally specially trained for all kinds of emergency situations and runs regular patrols around the vessels during the journey.
EU passenger-ferry rules
Have you enjoyed a smooth ferry trip to or from or to a European port? You will be surprised by how many aspects of your trip are backed by EU rules (laws, regulations, directives) establishing certain security standards for passenger ferries (ro-ro). In fact, most of these rules are based on international standards, which the EU has incorporated into its laws so that they have a legal effect and are followed by all EU countries.
So, if your ferry runs with an EU-country flag, it is most likely that:
- The vessel is regularly inspected by a specialized authority inspecting all conditions required for a safe navigation, such as water tightness, fire safety and lack of wear and tear.
- The vessel meets safety-equipment requirements (lifeboats, etc.) and has received certain certifications.
- The ferry operator is sufficiently insured to cover any damage to your person, as well as your luggage and vehicle.
Lifeboats on a cruise-ship deck
Ferry hygiene protocols
In the context of preserving on-board hygiene and preventing Covid-19 spread, European ferry companies follow certain health protocols whose specifics may vary from one operator to another, but there are some basic practices in common.
Some of the most important practices implemented by European ferry operators include:
- Regular disinfection of passenger and crew areas, including lavatories, cafeterias, seating areas, etc.
- Thorough cleaning of air-conditioning filters
- Regular change and disinfection of linen in cabins
- Availability of hand sanitizers and disinfectants at all places on the vessel
Also note that the EU runs an inspection program for ships in the context of its Healthy GateWays joint action. The aim of the program is to motivate operators to comply with the European standards and to improve their health-protection and sanitation practices. Passenger ships receiving grade A in the inspection receive a certification and can be found on the joint action’s website.
Important: wearing a mask on board is advised but no longer obligatory in most European countries.
Covid-19 and safe ferry travel
When it comes to Covid-19 and ferry-travel safety, European companies normally comply with the measures and restrictions applied in the country where they operate. For example, if you travel in Greece by ferry, it’s most likely that the ferry company aligns their operations with the Covid-19 ferry travel measures in effect in Greece.
On Ferryhopper, you can also check the latest updates on:
- Covid-19 and ferry travel in Italy
- Covid-19 and ferry travel between Greece and Italy
- Covid-19 and ferry travel in Spain
Ferry sanitation practices play a key role in passenger safety
By now guess that you are feeling more comfortable riding a European ferry. We wish you a safe and pleasant trip! And if you are looking for cheap ferry tickets for your trip in Europe, you can, of course, book them on Ferryhopper in no time!
