Relaxation of ferry lashing requirement welcomed as ‘practical and sensible’
A NORTH Isles councillor has welcomed a revised agreement between the SIC and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) on lashing down vehicles on ferries on the Bluemull Sound service.
Ryan Thomson said the move “represents a practical and sensible improvement for the Gutcher – Bluemull ferry service and for the communities who rely on it”.
The mandatory requirement to lash all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes on this route was introduced by the MCA in 2024 after a cement mixer toppled over on board the Bigga.
Staff in the council’s ferries service recently submitted revised proposals based on their experience of conditions on the route, which the MCA has approved.
Under the new arrangements, discretion has been restored to the master of the vessel whether to lash down vehicles weighing less than 10 tonnes on sailings between Gutcher and Belmont, when certain conditions are met.
Where the wind strength is greater than force give, larger vehicles will continue to be lashed down.
Certain vehicles will also always be secured, regardless of wind and tidal conditions, including vehicles carrying dangerous goods, ready-mix cement trucks, livestock freight trucks, road tankers and other vehicles with an “inherent risk of tipping”, the council said.
All freight vehicles will be lashed regardless of wind strength when the wind direction is from an easterly direction down around to southerly with the flood tide running.
Larger vehicles will be lashed for the first morning run in darkness, to order to evaluate wind and tidal conditions.
The master will notify the deck crew as and when this discretion may be applied, and the expected duration.
Commenting on the revised proposals, Thomson said the previous arrangements had created significant capacity pressures, with extra concern about the effect on timetables, and had a real impact on those using the service.
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“Credit must go to everyone involved in helping reach this outcome,” the North Isles councillor said.
“The community council have worked tirelessly to ensure local concerns were heard and understood.
“I also recognise the MCA for engaging with the evidence presented by the SIC and approving revised arrangements which restore an element of discretion to the experienced vessel masters while maintaining safety as the overriding priority.
“This agreement will not remove every challenge, but it is undoubtedly a positive step forward and a welcome improvement to the situation.”
No injuries were reported following the incident in 2024, although one person was treated for shock.
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