Conditions of Carriage


Important Notice: This is an abridged version of the Conditions of Carriage of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited ("The Steam Packet"). Please refer to the detailed Conditions of Carriage available on request or at the port of departure.

  1. The detailed Conditions of Carriage of the Steam Packet apply to this contract for carriage. A copy of the full terms may be obtained on request or at the port of departure. The provisions of the Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their luggage at Sea 1974, including all versions from time to time applicable, having force in the Isle of Man ("The Athens Convention") apply to the contract. The Athens Convention limits the Steam Packets liability for the death of or personal injury to a passenger and/or for loss of or damage to luggage (including a private vehicle) to incidents which are due to the fault of the Steam Packet or it's servants or agents acting within the scope of their employment. The Athens Convention limits amounts that may be recoverable by the passenger.
  2. The Athens Convention also makes special provision for valuables. If you wish to carry valuables please refer to the conditions of carriage or contact a member of staff. The Steam Packet does not accept liability for any items of value placed in checked in luggage.
  3. The provisions of the convention on limitation of liability for Maritime claims (in so far as it is not otherwise compulsorily applicable) shall be incorporated into the contract. This convention and entitles ship owners to limit their liability for certain general Maritime claims.
  4. The Steam Packet accepts no responsibility for any delay or failure to perform obligations under the contract to the extent that the delay has been caused in whole or in part by Force Majeure. Additionally the Steam Packet does not undertake that any vessel will start or arrive on or at the advertised date and time. All sailings and schedules are subject to cancellation or variation without notice for any cause which the Steam Packet or Master reasonably considers justified. For full details on refunds please refer to the section entitled refunds.
  5. The Passenger shall at all times comply with any lawful order or request given or made by the Vessels Officers or any Servants or Agents of the Steam Packet. The Passenger agrees to submit to a search of their person and agrees to provide such personal details as may be required for security purposes or otherwise.
  6. Except by special arrangement with the Steam Packet children under 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult passenger. Not more than 2 children under 16 years of age may accompany each adult passenger.
  7. Every passenger must when ever so required provide a valid travel ticket in respect of themselves or their private vehicle (if any), in the event the passenger fails to produce such a ticket they will be liable to the full prevailing fare.
  8. The Steam Packet shall have a general lien on any luggage (including on vehicle) for all charges due from the passenger to the Steam Packet.
  9. No passenger travelling may bring or cause to permit to bring on board any luggage of a dangerous, explosive or inflammable nature or any contraband or any endangered species of animals or any similar such articles without the prior express written approval of the Steam Packet.
  10. During the passage, private vehicles must be locked and handbrake applied and first or locked gear engaged. Access to private vehicles is not permitted during passage. Motorcycles, when carried on vehicles or trailers must comply with the following conditions:
    i) They are drained of fuel before conveyance.
    ii) The ignition is switched off.
    iii) They are firmly secured in an upright position to prevent movement.
    iv) Adequate ventilation is provided to effectively remove flammable vapour from vehicles.


    The Passenger is responsible for the management and operation of their private vehicle. The Steam Packet accepts no responsibility for vehicular accidents, which occur on or around the vessel, howsoever they are caused, subject to any limitations imposed by Statute or Convention that apply to this contract. Further particular details regarding the carriage of vehicles are contained in the standard conditions of carriage.
  11. By accepting the conditions of carriage the passenger accepts the exclusive jurisdiction of the Isle of Man Courts to hear any and all disputes arising in respect of any contract to which these conditions apply.

Reminder: These Conditions of Carriage are an abridged version only of the detailed Conditions of Carriage. The passenger should refer to the detailed Conditions of Carriage which are available on request or may be obtained at the port of embarkation.

Terms and Conditions


For the purpose of these amalgamated Terms and Conditions, routes operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will be referred to as "Steam Packet" and include: Heysham, Liverpool, Dublin and Belfast to the Isle of Man.

  1. Check in times


    Foot Passengers: Please check in a minimum of 25 minutes prior to departure.Vehicle Passengers: Please check in a minimum of 45 minutes prior to departure. Minimum check in times may vary and passengers should ask at the time of booking. Please note that services may depart up to 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

  2. Vehicle Measurement Limitations


    Please ensure that your vehicle adheres to the limitations detailed. If not, you may not be permitted on board the vessel.

    Ben-my-Chree: Height: 2.5 metres. Length Single vehicle: 10 metres. Vehicle towing trailer: 10 metres. Width 2.0 metres. Maximum Weight: less than 5 tonnes. Larger Vehicles: Please contact the Steam Packet Freight Office on (01624) 645620.

    Sea Express 1: Height: 3.0 metres. Length Single vehicle: 6.5 metres. Vehicle towing trailer: 10 metres. Width 2.0 metres. Maximum Weight: 3 tonnes.

  3. Other Vehicle Limitations


    Drivers of some high performance vehicles, overloaded vehicles, or vehicles with low ground clearance may not be able to travel on some sailings due to tidal conditions and shore facilities. Please ensure that you check with the Steam Packet Company ("The Company") before booking. The Company recommends travel on the Ben-my-Chree for such vehicles.

  4. Vehicles On Board


    Petrol tanks should not be so full as to create a possibility of spillage. Spare cans of petrol must not be carried. On the vehicle deck, cars must be parked in gear, with the handbrake on. Access to vehicles will not be permitted during passage. The Company accepts no responsibility, in any circumstances, for damage occurring to vehicles during loading, unloading or onboard, howsoever caused.

  5. Insurance


    Passengers are advised to ensure that they, their vehicles and luggage are insured when on the vessel or ashore. The Company does not accept liability for damage to or loss of passengers vehicle or luggage.

  6. TT Deposit Bookings 2007:


    Bookings made for the TT Races are held as deposit only space. The current charge for deposit bookings is £20/€30 for ANY vehicle type and £10/€14 for foot passenger travel. You will be notified of your confirmed sailing times and total fare by January 31st, in the year of travel. You may wish to check our 2007 Standard Fares as this will give you a guide as to the MAXIMIUM price you are likely to pay. You remaining balance for TT bookings must be received by February 28th, in the year of travel. If for any reason you do NOT receive your confirmation at any point of the booking process, please contact us immediately on + 44 (0) 871 222 1 333.

  7. Alterations


    Alterations to tickets or journeys may be made subject to availability. Changes to a higher tariff or any amendment fees incurred must be paid for at the time of alteration.

  8. Cancellations


    Passengers who cannot travel must let The Company know as soon as possible by writing to the Reservations Office enclosing the unused ticket or web confirmation. The cancellation charges detailed in the box below will apply. Please note that unused Special Offers will be cancelled immediately following their scheduled departure time. No refunds or credits will be allowed against these tickets. Some Special Offers may be amended prior to the sailing date, subject to the conditions of the offer, space availability and additional charges as applicable.

    Notice of Cancellation Cancellation Charge Minimum Charge
    More than 10 days before departure 10% £10 / €15
    Less than 10 days before departure 20% £20 / €30
    On or after the day of departure 30% £30 / €45


    Notice of TT Cancellation Cancellation Charge Minimum Charge
    More than 20 days before departure 10% £20 / €30
    Less than 10 days before departure 50% £50 / €73
    On or after the day of departure 100% N/A
    * TT period (21.05.07-12.06.07)

    Refunds


    All Special Offers: Unused portions of Special Offers are non-refundable and non-transferable. Day Trip Fares: Unused portions of Day Trip Fares are non-refundable and non-transferable. All Refunds are made at the Company's sole discretion. Applications for refunds must be made in writing to the Refunds Department, Imperial Buildings, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2BY and within 6 months of the outward travel date.

  9. Service Fee And Fares


    All special offers shown online or in the Company brochure are online fares, which may only be booked at www.steam-packet.com Special Offer bookings made in person, through a travel agent, or over the telephone are subject to a Service Fee of £10 / €14 (£12 / €18 in 2007)  per car or £5 / €7 (£6 / €8 in 2007) for foot passenger or motorcycle offers.

    All Standard Fares shown in this brochure are the fares applicable when bookings are made in person, through a travel agent or over the telephone. These fares will be discounted by 2% when booked online at www.steam-packet.com Bookings paid for by credit/charge card (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, American Express etc.) are subject to a non-refundable £3/€4 credit charge per booking. Bookings paid for using debit card (e.g. Switch) will not incur the £3/€4 charge.

  10. Disabled Passengers


    Sea Express 1: We regret that Sea Express 1 does not have a lift facility to accommodate wheelchair bound passengers. If you are unable to negotiate a flight of stairs on foot then please accept our apologies as we unfortunately cannot accept your booking. For further information please contact our reservations centre on + 44 (0) 871 222 1 333 or email iom.reservations@steam-packet.com.

    Ben-my-Chree: There is lift access to the passenger accommodation deck from the car deck for passengers boarding in a vehicle. For passengers boarding without a vehicle, there is a gangway to access the craft. If you require assistance, please advise prior to travel either online (page 3 of the booking process entitled ‘passenger details’ under the section ‘assistance’. If booking by telephone, please advise Steam Packet Company Reservations or alternatively advise your local travel agent if you require assistance when boarding.

  11. Children on board


    Children aged 10 years or under must be accompanied by an adult (adults must be 16 or over and may be asked to produce proof of age). Children aged 11 to 15 may travel unaccompanied but must produce a form of consent signed by their parent/guardian. Forms are available at the check in desk at port.

  12. Pets


    On Fast crafts: Dogs are carried only in vehicles on the well ventilated car decks. The only exceptions are Guide Dogs, Assistance Dogs such as Hearing Dogs and Dogs for the Disabled (accompanied by an owner).

    On Conventional Vessels: For the benefit of all passengers it is preferred that dogs travel in vehicles on the well ventilated car decks. On the Ben-my-Chree there is a designated side lounge in which passengers may travel with their dogs. There is a charge of £5 per dog per single leg crossing. There are two cabins which can accommodate dogs with their owner at a cost of £35 per cabin per single leg crossing for day sailings and £59 per cabin per single leg crossing for overnight crossings. We reserve the right to restrict the number of dogs which may be booked on a particular sailing.

  13. Security And Prohibited Articles


    Under international security legislation passengers, their luggage, effects and vehicles are subject to searches for and seizure of prohibited material or substances. Passengers refusing to be searched will not be permitted to travel. All firearms and other sporting weapons and ammunition may only be carried in accordance with strict Company and statutory procedures and must be declared to the Company before the day of travel. Explosive or hazardous substances, pointed or bladed items, gas cylinders (including scuba diving cylinders) will not be allowed on any vessel without lawful valid reason. Inflammable substances will also be prohibited unless carried in limited quantities and in accordance with Company and statutory regulations. For more information, please contact the Freight Office on (01624) 645620.

  14. Aside from general restrictions highlighted in section 13 above, there is no current restriction on contents of hand luggage. Passengers must be able to comfortably carry their own hand luggage on board without assistance and must be able to stow luggage on their lap at the request of on board customer service staff. The Company reserves the right to insist on hand luggage being checked in at its discretion. Checked in luggage must weigh under 23kg. The Company strictly reserves the right not to carry luggage heavier than 23kg due to Health and Safety guidelines.

  15. Livestock


    Transport of livestock (including horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and goats) is controlled by legislation. All bookings involving livestock must be made through the Freight Office, Douglas tel: 01624 645620.

  16. Vans/Commercial Vehicles


    All commercial vehicles are subject to the prevailing commercial rate. However the Company can offer a concession to those passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle if travelling for a non-commercial purpose. This must be agreed in advance with the Company. For further details, please contact the Freight Office on (01624) 645620 prior to making a booking.

  17. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL FARES, VESSEL, PORT AND SAILING TIMES QUOTED MAY BE SUBJECT TO ALTERATION/CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.