The Steam Packet’s decision to limit the number of children travelling with adults in groups was caused by a growing number of incidents onboards its vessels.
Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson was asked by Rob Callister about how the policy differs to the policy issued to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture’s schools.
The decision to limit the number of children travelling with each adult to five has been criticised by some school leaders who say it will make trips off-island harder.
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Dr Allinson said: “Children’s group travel is managed through the company’s group reservations team.
“The company’s primary concern is for the health, safety and comfort of all of their passengers.
“For all Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessels, the passengers classed as children are those from the age of two up to the age of sixteen.
“The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company policy on adults traveling with groups of children is based on a documented risk assessment, done within the company’s safety management system.
“The Risk assessment was carried out taking into account the increasing number of group bookings and the rising number of incidents on board the vessels where children traveling in organised groups were presenting a danger to themselves, fellow passengers and crew.”
The maximum group size for any single booking is 60 children, with 12 accompanying adults.
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