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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Except by special arrangement with the Steam Packet children under 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult passenger. In the event the passenger fails to produce such details they will be liable to the full prevailing fare. 

Every passenger must when ever so required provide full details of their booking in respect of themselves or their private vehicle (if any).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Zero Tolerance on Antisocial/Disruptive Behaviour The Steam Packet Company’s primary concern is the safety and security of its passengers, crew and staff. Occasionally, the antisocial or disruptive behaviour of some of our passengers can make others feel very uncomfortable. In extreme cases this may pose a threat to the safety of others. Our Zero Tolerance policy involves tackling any signs of a potential problem as soon as they arise. To minimise the possibility that antisocial or disruptive passengers are allowed on board our vessels, staff at ports will warn people whose behaviour is unacceptable, and if necessary refuse travel. Unacceptable behaviour may include drunkenness, smoking, using abusive language or behaving in an aggressive or insulting way towards other passengers, crewmembers or staff. Our crews and staff have been fully trained to deal with incidents of this nature. Anyone who disobeys the lawful command of a crewmember or security officer is committing a criminal offence under the Maritime Security Act 1995. A Warning Notice may then be served on any passengers and if the offender persists the police will be called to the port or to meet the vessel on arrival. The passenger may face arrest, a fine of up to £5,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. They will also be banned from any future travel with the Company. If the vessel has to divert, the offender will be liable for the costs incurred and will be pursued vigorously by the Company through the Judicial System.

Although such behaviour is rare our belief is that by treating such incidents as seriously as we do, we can eradicate it altogether.

We ask for your assistance in ensuring a safe travelling environment for all.