Can I stay in my vehicle during the crossing?
Travelling for a Hospital Appointment? Here’s What You Need to Know About Staying in Your Vehicle During the Ferry Crossing
We understand that travelling to or from a hospital appointment can be challenging, and staying in your vehicle during the crossing may help make things more comfortable. While we want to support you wherever possible, there are important safety regulations we must follow.
What the Law Says:
By law, all passengers must leave their vehicles during a ferry crossing. This is a legal requirement under:
- MSN 1823 – Regulation 25.14
- The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction: Ships of all Classes III to VI(A)) Regulations 1998 – Regulation 71 (SI1998/2515)
These regulations are designed to protect everyone onboard in the event of an emergency. Because of this, we cannot guarantee approval of any request to stay in your vehicle under any circumstances.
When Can a Request Be Considered?
We will consider requests only in extraordinary circumstances, such as medical or accessibility needs. The request will be added to your booking provided there are no other restrictions already in place. We’ll also make sure we book you close to the lift and add extra room to get out your car for you outward and return booking.
However, even if your request is added to your booking, final approval is not guaranteed until the time of sailing.
What Happens at the Time of Sailing?
Just before departure, the Captain of the ship will carry out a Dynamic Risk Assessment to determine whether it is safe for you to remain in your vehicle. This assessment is based on several real-time factors, including:
- The types of vehicles onboard: Large freight and articulated lorries can pose a risk, especially in rough seas. In rare cases, adverse weather has caused loads to shift, resulting in lorries tipping over and potentially landing on nearby vehicles.
- Dangerous goods: If hazardous materials are being transported, the risk level increases. These goods require strict handling and may limit passenger access to certain areas, including the car deck.
- Volume of freight: A high number of heavy vehicles can reduce available space and increase the risk of movement during the crossing.
- Weather conditions: Even if the weather appears calm while loading in port, conditions in the Solent can be very different once the ship is underway. Rolling seas can cause the vessel to pitch and sway, increasing the risk of vehicle movement and injury.
- Evacuation procedures: In the event of an emergency, all passengers must be evacuated to the main passenger lounge, where life rafts are launched. The car deck is not equipped for evacuation. If you remain in your vehicle, crew members must be diverted from their emergency duties to escort you safely to the lounge. This can delay the evacuation process and put others at risk.
The Captain must weigh all these factors carefully. If any of them present a safety concern, your request may be declined—even if it was previously added to your booking.
If Your Request Cannot Be Approved
If the Captain determines that it is not safe for you to stay in your vehicle, you will be given two options:
- Travel on your booked sailing and move to the passenger lounge as required.
- Reschedule to an alternative sailing time, where conditions may be more suitable.
Need Help or Want to Discuss Your Options?
Please contact our dedicated Assisted Travel line to talk through your needs:
📞 0800 093 8236
🕘 Monday to Friday: 9am–6pm
🕘 Saturday & Sunday: 9am–5pm
We’re here to help make your journey as smooth and safe as possible.