Jersey Harbours & Ferry Operators agree a course of action for disruptive passengers

01 August 2007

Incidents involving abusive ferry passengers returning from St Malo led to a recent meeting between Jersey Harbours and Customs & Immigration to discuss how to deal with unacceptable behaviour at ferry ports. The latest incident occurred on Saturday 14 July and involved passengers on the late evening HD Ferries arrival. As a result, the ferry company were invited to attend the meeting, which looked at ways to deal with unacceptable behaviour by drunken passengers and to formulate procedures to help port authorities and ferry companies deal with similar incidents in the future.

The meeting coincided with French Police’s recent announcement about their own crackdown on loutish behaviour by Islanders at St Malo ferry ports.

The following procedures were agreed as a result of the meeting:

Prominent signage will be placed at check-in areas and onboard vessels making it clear that any individual causing trouble at the French ferry ports prior to departure will not be allowed to return on the vessel. Likewise, public announcements to this effect will also be made onboard during the outbound journey.

Jersey Harbours will also inform the States of Jersey Police and Customs & Immigration of any disruptive passengers travelling on board vessels bound for Jersey . These passengers will be dealt with as appropriate on their arrival in the Island .

Steve Le Marquand from Customs & Immigration said, “We are delighted to receive the support of Jersey Harbours and the ferry operators in sending out the message that such anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. It is hoped the new procedures we are putting in place and the actions of the French Police will help reduce the difficulties previously encountered”.