SPC ratio changes follow 'rising number of incidents' on vessels

Treasury Minister confirms new policy is different to DESC's

Changes to the number of adults which are required to supervise children on Steam Packet sailings were made after a ‘rising number of incidents’ onboard vessels.

Treasury says a risk assessment carried out – before the policy was changed in October – identified youngsters travelling in organised groups ‘presenting a danger to themselves, passengers and crew’.

One adult must accompany every five children now as opposed to every 10.

The policy change has been criticised by the National Association of Head Teachers which says it will ‘severely limit’ off-Island trips and ‘deprive children of vital learning opportunities’.

You can find out more here.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson says the government owned company has a responsibility to ensure it complies with requirements and regulations relating to evacuations in the event of an emergency.

Responding to a Tynwald question, from Onchan MHK Rob Callister, he added that in an incident there would be an ‘increased risk’ that large groups of children could become separated from their supervisors.

Dr Allinson also confirmed the Department of Education, Sport and Culture’s policy for educational visits off-Island is different at one adult to every 10 children.

He added: "Anyone organising group travel is encouraged to discuss their requirements with the reservations team who can provide advice and suggest different ways to address the required supervision ratios through volunteers, parents or guardians being recruited to accompany groups travelling on vessels to their destination port."

You can read the Tynwald answer in full here.