Steam Packet policy changes 'not compromising' on safety

The Steam Packet insists it hasn't compromised on safety after announcing changes to its policies for travelling with children.

In October, the ferry operator introduced a one adult per five children rule to address a rising number of incidents of bad behaviour onboard its vessels.

After widespread criticism, it's now relaxed that to one adult per eight under 16s but implemented a number of other mitigating policies as well.

Brian Thomson says safety is still their top priority:

The Steam Packet worked closely with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture on the changes to its policy.

The minister, Daphne Caine, had previously said the original one could put a stop to off-Island travel for schools completely.

She told Manx Radio if she was now happy with the policy:

The National Association of Headteachers has also responded to the move, after being critical of the initial policy.

It says it welcomes the decision to rethink the adult-to-child ratio.

Niamh Sweeney, NAHT’s regional head for the North West said: "We had feared that the proposals would make it impractical for schools on the Isle of Man to take pupils to the UK for educational trips due to the staffing requirements.

"We are grateful that the company has listened to our feedback, because while we take safeguarding pupils extremely seriously, local school leaders said there had not been any concerns about safety on board.

"This movement from Steam Packet is welcome. It will still require extra staffing, but not to the same extent, and this means that most school trips are likely to be viable going forward, with all the benefits they offer in enriching children’s education and cultural awareness."