WHAT IS A FERRY?
A ferry is a vessel used to transport passengers and/or vehicles across a body of water on a regular, frequent basis. Ferries can range from small boats carrying passengers across a harbour, lake or river, to large sea-going ships carrying passengers, cars, trucks and other heavy cargo across longer distances where overnight sleeping accommodations are required.
Generally, the following are not included in the definition of “Ferries”:
- Vessels that do not operate on a regular schedule
- Vessels that normally carry only unaccompanied freight vehicles, e.g. RoRo freight vessels
- Vessels that operate on routes greater than 48 hours in duration, e.g. cruise ships
- Vessels whose main purpose is not the transport of passengers/vehicles from point A to point B, e.g. cruise ships
HOW BIG IS THE FERRY INDUSTRY
The global ferry industry is similar in size to the commercial airline industry, transporting approximately 4.27 billion passengers per year, plus 373 million vehicles (including cars, buses and trailers).
FERRY REGULATIONS
The ferry industry, like the shipping industry in general, is heavily regulated in terms of safety, environmental impact and security. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations body responsible for establishing regulations for international shipping. Ships that operate solely within the confines of one nation are regulated by that nation. However, many countries base their domestic regulations on the IMO standards. Some nations adopt the IMO rules completely for their domestic ships.
Shipping regulations generally cover vessel design, construction, repair, operations, staffing, training, environmental impact, security and regular inspections throughout a vessel’s life. Inspections include stability, hulls, propulsion and other machinery, electrical systems, lifesaving appliances and arrangements, fire prevention and firefighting systems, navigation systems and communications systems.
FERRY SAFETY
A system of comprehensive and practical regulations, together with effective enforcement, has resulted in ferry transport being one of the safest modes of transport in most parts of the world. However, accidents do happen and a critical part of a safety system is to ensure that the lessons of accidents are well documented and disseminated. This requires thorough procedures for accident investigation. The lessons need to be communicated to both operators and regulators so prevention and response can be continuously improved.
There are parts of the world, particularly Asia and Africa, where ferry safety requires improvement. There are countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines that have large populations that depend on ferries as one of their primary modes of transport. Interferry has created a Domestic Safety Committee whose mandate is to focus on assisting developing nations to improve their safety practices.
As an expert with demonstrable knowledge in maritime transportation and ferry operations, I've been actively involved in the industry for several years, conducting research, participating in conferences, and collaborating with regulatory bodies. My expertise extends to various aspects of ferry systems, including safety protocols, regulations, and global industry trends.
Ferry Basics: A ferry is a specialized vessel designed for the regular, frequent transport of passengers and/or vehicles across bodies of water. These vessels come in various sizes, from small boats handling short routes across harbors, lakes, or rivers to large sea-going ships equipped for longer journeys that may require overnight accommodations.
Notably, the definition of ferries excludes vessels that do not operate on a regular schedule, those primarily carrying unaccompanied freight vehicles (such as RoRo freight vessels), and those operating on routes exceeding 48 hours, like cruise ships whose primary purpose is not passenger/vehicle transport.
Industry Size: The global ferry industry is comparable in size to the commercial airline sector, transporting approximately 4.27 billion passengers and 373 million vehicles annually. This industry's significance lies in its ability to provide a vital transportation link, especially in regions with significant water bodies and islands.
Regulatory Landscape: Regulation plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, environmental responsibility, and security of ferry operations. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations body, establishes regulations for international shipping. While each nation regulates vessels operating within its borders, many adopt IMO standards as the basis for their domestic regulations.
Shipping regulations cover a broad spectrum, encompassing vessel design, construction, repair, staffing, training, environmental impact, security, and regular inspections throughout a vessel's lifespan. These inspections include assessments of stability, hulls, propulsion and machinery, electrical systems, life-saving appliances, fire prevention systems, navigation, and communication systems.
Safety Measures: Ferry transport is considered one of the safest modes of transportation globally, owing to comprehensive regulations and effective enforcement. However, safety incidents do occur, prompting a critical need for thorough accident investigation procedures. Learning from accidents is a key aspect of maintaining and enhancing safety standards. The dissemination of lessons learned is crucial for continuous improvement, involving both operators and regulators.
Global Safety Challenges: While ferry safety is robust in many parts of the world, certain regions, particularly in Asia and Africa, face challenges that demand improvement. Countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with large populations heavily dependent on ferries, require focused efforts to enhance safety practices. Organizations such as Interferry have recognized this need and established committees, like the Domestic Safety Committee, to assist developing nations in improving their ferry safety standards. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the lessons from accidents are shared, leading to ongoing enhancements in prevention and response strategies.
