Due to Belfast Marathon on 04/05/25, please allow extra time to reach the port. Roads may be busier than usual and diversions in place. You can find more details here:
The Isle of Man Steam Packet has implemented enhanced safety procedures and policies for children’s educational and sports group travel on board its vessels, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring a safe, accessible, and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
Following extensive consultation with the Department of Education, Sport & Culture, and feedback from schools, sports and community groups, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has developed new policies to provide more flexibility for groups travelling with under 16s while at the same time enhancing safety and ensuring compliance with findings from risk assessments.
The Department of Education, Sport & Culture has endorsed the changes and will see the implementation of additional measures to ensure that schools and associated groups comply with the new requirements. To reinforce accountability, all travelling groups will now be required to sign an updated Group Conditions of Travel agreement before departure.
Schools and organisations will be required to review and sign updated travel conditions before booking.
Enhanced Safety Protocols:
Additional safety briefings and onboard measures have been introduced to ensure a secure journey for all passengers and crew.
The introduction of these measures will allow a revision of the group travel ratios as follows:
The ratio will now be 1 adult per 8 under 16s, relaxed from the previous 1 adult per 5 children, provided that all risk assessment criteria have been met.
Brian Thomson, Managing Director of Isle of Man Steam Packet, stated: “Safety is our top priority, and we recognise the importance of striking a balance between accessibility and responsible travel. These measures, developed in partnership with the Department of Education, Sport & Culture and key stakeholders, will ensure that all young passengers are appropriately supervised and that schools, clubs and groups are fully supported in meeting their obligations.”
“We’re very proud, as a Company, to support initiatives across our community to encourage educational and sporting engagement for children and young people. Over the years our Manx Community Assistance scheme has provided hundreds of opportunities for travel to schools, sports groups and other youth organisations.”
“In 2025 we’ve taken this even further to make all travel on our vessels free for under 16s. This represents a major investment in our community and makes travel more accessible for groups. We’re pleased to introduce these new measures to further enhance the attractiveness of the initiative and to help deliver our overall goals to benefit the Isle of Man socially and economically.”
The above changes will take effect from 19 February 2025. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will work closely with schools, clubs, and travel organisers to facilitate a smooth transition to the new ratios.
