Accompanied Dogs/Children & No Smoking Policy

CARRIAGE OF PETS

Pets are welcome on board and travel FREE OF CHARGE but due to health, hygiene and safety issues we would ask that passengers observe the following guidelines. If further advice regarding travelling with pets or information about designated areas on board our ships is required, please do not hesitate to contact the Customer Care Department (01475 650 338 or customercare@calmac.co.uk) or any member of staff or crew.

PASSENGER RESPONSIBILITIES

Passengers are advised that they are solely responsible for the welfare and conduct of their pets, and in particular dogs, whilst in terminal areas and on board. It is the owner's responsibility to clean up any mess created by their pets. Every effort should be made not to inconvenience other passengers. Pets are not permitted to sit on passenger seating. Pets should never be left unsupervised, other than when they are left in a vehicle, and should always be exercised before boarding. CalMac reserves the right to ask dog owners to muzzle their dogs. Owners may be requested to remove pets from public areas.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Where special arrangements would be helpful to owners i.e. storing a pet in RSPCA approved pet carriers or similar apparatus, provided by the owner, a location may be identified on the ship by prior arrangement with the port of departure. Owners should contact the port of departure at least seven days in advance of travel.

TRAVELLING BY CAR

If you are travelling by car, it is recommended that all pets are left inside vehicles for the duration of the voyage. Please make sure that appropriate provisions, including water and ventilation, are made for pets left in cars, taking into account the weather conditions and the length of journey. On a number of ships, unrestricted access to the car deck is not permitted whilst at sea but on longer journeys arrangements can be made for you to be accompanied to the car deck to visit your pet.

TRAVELLING ON FOOT

Designated pet areas are available with seating areas for owners. Passengers with dogs must remain in these areas. For health and safety reasons, pets are not allowed to sit on the seats.

DOGS

Ships can be busy and noisy and some vibration may be experienced during the journey. As a result of this, and being in a confined space, dogs can become agitated whilst on board. Passengers are advised to stay with their dogs at all times, other than when they are left in a vehicle, and to keep them calm and quiet. Dogs must be restrained by a harness or a collar and lead.

Other passengers may not be aware of your dog’s temperament while travelling and may approach it. You may wish to consider, for the safety of your dog and other passengers, muzzling your dog before boarding the ship.

Passengers must use internal designated areas. For health and safety reasons, dogs are not permitted in certain areas; including all areas where food and/or drinks are served and certain lounges within the ships. Dogs must not be allowed to sit on passenger seating.

CalMac does not accept liability for damage or injury caused by dogs whilst on CalMac premises or ships. In the event of any incident whereby a dog causes alarm or injury this will be reported to the appropriate authorities i.e. the police. In some cases this could lead to the owner being charged with an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the animal being destroyed.

Support Dogs are allowed access to all passenger areas of CalMac ships.

It is CalMac’s aim to make journeys as safe and comfortable as possible for all our passengers. Please take due care and show consideration for everyone on board.

CHILDREN

Children under five years old travel free and children aged 5-15 travel at half the adult fare. Parents/Guardians are responsible for the conduct of the children in their care whilst in terminals and on board and should ensure that they are supervised at all times.  to make journeys as safe and comfortable as possible for everyone please remind chidlren that it is not safe to run anywhere while on board or in a terminal area.  Cub Club activity areas are available on many of our larger ships and children's meal options are aalso available from mariners cafeterias and selected Coffee Cabins.

NO SMOKING

CalMac operates a policy of no smoking in internal passenger areas in line with current legislation. Smoking is not permitted on the car deck.