UK leads on WU safety
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• The UK will force ferry companies to make safety improvements to RO-RO ferries, even if the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) fails to impose more stringent controls when it meets later this year.
Transport Minister Sir George Young says the Government would force operators to fit transverse bulkheads to ferries, making them less likely to capsize. The Government is prepared to take the lead and force international ferry firms to address the problem which played a part in the Herald of Free Enterprise and Estonia disasters.
Tests have shown that once a relatively small amount of water gets on to car decks, RORO ferries quickly become unstable and can overturn. Transverse bulk heads stop this water moving within the ferry. Other proposals include: • Extra bow door protection; • Additional crew training: • New restrictions on singlecompartment ships; • Establishment of a working language for each vessel; • Improvements in evacuation arrangements.