New rights for ferry passengers

FERRY passengers travelling in the EU now have more rights after a set of new European rules came into force.

The new rules apply where you take a ferry (or other commercial ship like a cruise liner) which leaves from an EU country or where you travel from outside the EU but the destination port is in the EU and the travel company is European.

The aim is provide more standardised minimum care and protection, such as already exists for people travelling by train or air.

The new rules include:

• Adequate assistance such as snacks, meals, refreshments and, where necessary, accommodation up to three nights, with a financial coverage up to €80 per night in case of cancellation or delay at departure of more than 90 minutes;

• A guaranteed choice between reimbursement or rerouting in case of cancellation or delay at departure of more than 90 minutes;

• Compensation, between 25% and 50% of the ticket price, in situations of delay at arrival;

• Non-discriminatory treatment and specific, free-of-charge, assistance for disabled people, both at ports and on board;

• Systems for handling passenger complaints to be put in place by carriers and terminal operators;

• Appointment of independent national bodies in charge of enforcing the rules, including applying penalties

There are also additional rights from December 31 2012. Passengers involved in an accident when travelling by sea will have the right to:

• Financial compensation in case of death, personal injury, and loss of or damage to luggage, vehicles, and mobility or other special equipment;

• Advance payment (within 15 days) to cover immediate economic needs in case of death or personal injury;

• Direct recourse against the carrier's insurance provider in case of death or personal injury.

Information about passenger rights is also downloadable on smartphones via a free application.

Photo: Brittany Ferries