§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the maximum loadings allowed on each ferry between Ireland and Great Britain; and what action is taken to ensure that these figures are not exceeded.
§ Mr. PortilloThe maximum loading allowed on ferries corresponds to immersion of the hull up to the clearly visible load-line mark. The maximum number of passengers allowed is stipulated on the passenger ship safety certificate which every passenger ship including ferries must carry. It is the statutory duty of the master to ensure before his ship proceeds on any voyage that the load-line mark is not submerged and that the maximum number of passengers permitted is not exceeded.
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