DDB 139 Stena Line
Stena Line
Lord Carter
House of Lords
London
SWIA OPW
Ref: 16-18/04/02 7 April 2004
Dear Lord Carter
Thank you for your recent letter requesting our comments
on the Draft Discrimination Bill, as follows: -
We are sure that you are aware that the current DPTAC
Guidelines on Disabled Access to Ships are currently under review.
DPTAC has just placed a contract with experts to carry out this
review. It would be inappropriate to consider any action prior
to completion of this review.
Stena Line and the shipping industry strongly urge
the retention of the exemption for shipping from the DDA on a
number of grounds, not least is that to date a voluntary approach
has proved very successful by involving and participating will
all stake holders.
Also the shipping industry is regulated by the IMO
who have developed guidelines for disabled access to ships.
We in Stena Line welcome disabled passengers and
encourage them to identify their disability at the time of booking
in order that we can make adequate provision for pre-boarding,
port facilities and on board ship. The only proviso is that, where
the disability necessitates the need for physical help and guidance,
a helper is required. The reason for this is that a member of
the ship's crew cannot be identified to a particular individual
disabled person in the event of an emergency.
While some may urge for a withdrawal of exemption
for the maritime environment, we can advise the Stena Line have
had no complaints from disabled passengers concerning access.
Due to it's continued success we urge retention of the exemption.
Yours sincerely
A C Humphreys
Safety Manager
Stena Line Limited
Ship & Port Management Department
Stena House
Holyhead Tel: 01407-606666
Anglesey
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Registered Office:
Charter House,
Park Street, Ashford,
Kent, TN24 8EX
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