Ferries operating from Dover allowed 10% greater capacity
Ferry Online Travel News 22/04/2010
To ease the transport crunch, higher passenger capacity has been approved for ferries out of Dover.
In a bid to help get stranded travellers home amid the transport crises, ferries operating out of Dover are being allowed to carry 10% more passengers of bigger vessels.
P&O Ferries said they already operate at the maximum permitted passenger levels on the Dover-Calais route, so the new exemption would not apply to them.
The P&O spokesman said the operator has an existing complement of five ferries and is also carrying passengers on two cargo ships.
As a result, P&O actually has some spare capacity.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is allowing the capacity boost during daytimes and good weather as the ferries concerned already carry sufficient lifesaving equipment.
However, the agency reminded operators of small boats that they must be certified in order to carry people.
Authorities halted a plan by a TV presenter for a Dunkirk-style flotilla of small rescue craft and reminded operators of small craft that any certification for small vessels to make such a journey would only be valid in British waters.
Operators would also require clearance from French maritime authorities to operate in French waters.
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