Can passengers stay in their vehicles on the car deck?
Due to the Covid-19 situation the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have agreed to temporarily relax its rules on passengers being able to stay in their vehicles during some ferry journeys.
This allows us to maximise capacity on our ferries while implementing social distancing. This is only in place on our small vessels and vessels with open car decks with crossings under one hour.
For CalMac's fleet this means that passengers MUST now stay in their cars when travelling on the following routes -
Barra - Eriskay
Berneray - Leverburgh
Claonaig - Lochranza
Colintraive - Rhubodach
Fionnphort - Iona
Largs - Cumbrae
Lochaline - Fishnish
Mallaig - Armadale (MV Loch Fyne/MV Loch Bhrusda sailings only)
Oban - Lismore
Sconser - Raasay
Tarbert - Portavadie
Tayinloan - Gigha
Tobermory - Kilchoan
Wemyss Bay - Rothesay**
**Wemyss Bay - Rothesay - Please note - All vehicle drivers MUST remain in their vehicles during the duration of the crossing. At this time, we have limited capacity due to physical distancing guidelines. On this particular route, passenger capacity on the vehicle deck is more constrained than in the accommodation lounges. Where possible, vehicle passengers who are able to do so should board the vessel via the passenger gangway and stay in the passenger lounge during the crossing. This will allow us to carry more cars on each crossing and reduce potential wait times. Dangerous Goods vehicles will not be carried on this route until further notice and will need to travel via Colintraive.
For the duration of the crossing, the following safety rules apply.
You MUST remain in your vehicle at all times
You MUST keep your seatbelt OFF
You MUST keep your vehicle doors closed
You MUST keep your engine and ignition off
No Smoking
No Vaping
If you need to attract the attention of a crew member, sound your horn once and put on your hazard lights
It is very important that you read and abide by the rules above to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew at this time.
Please note that the main passenger accommodation areas / decks will be available only for foot passengers. There will be limited access to the vessel's toilet.
Download our flyer on travelling on our smaller ferries [91KB]
Thank you for your cooperation. While we regret the current circumstances, we are doing all we can to help keep you safe.
The change does not affect any of CalMac's larger vessels where passengers are not permitted to remain in their vehicles. Currently, CalMac can only allow those passengers who are travelling in ambulances and/or are accompanied by medical staff to travel whilst on the car deck of our major vessels.
