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Conditions of Carriage

Conditions of Carriage

CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE OF CALMAC FERRIES LIMITED

CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE OF CALMAC FERRIES LIMITED

Version Number: V1.6, July 2023

Introduction

 

As a valued customer of CalMac Ferries Limited (the "Company"), we aim to ensure you travel safely and comfortably on a reliable and efficient service.

Our Conditions of Carriage (the "Conditions") outline the Conditions all customers must agree to when entering into a contract with us.

Ahead of buying a ticket, you must read and agree to these Conditions to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers and staff.

Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to welcoming you onboard.

The Conditions are set out in five sections:

a)     Definitions. 

b)     Interpretation.

c)      Carriage undertaken.

d)     Principal Forms of Contract of Carriage.

e)     Agency in respect.

f)      Deemed ticketing or deemed consignment.

CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF VESSELS/SERVICES.

g)     Discretion as to carriage.

h)     Variations regarding sailing. 

i)      Impediments to loading, carriage, etc. 

j)      Compliance with orders.

LIABILITY. 

k)     Liability under the Athens Convention. 

12. Explanatory Note relating to the Athens Convention.

13.        Explanatory Note relating to the Hague Visby Rules.

14.        Liability in other situations.

REGULATIONS IN RESPECT OF DANGEROUS GOODS AND SUBSTANCES.

15.        Dangerous Goods and Substances.

16. Explanatory Note relating to the shipment of Dangerous Goods and Substances.

17. Regulations for the conveyance of petrol, fuel oil and cylinders and cartridges of liquefied hydrocarbon gas in vehicles on board the Vessels.

18. Breach of Regulation.

GENERAL MATTERS.

19. Luggage entitlement.

20. Unaccompanied Minors.

21. Miscellaneous.

22. Storekeepers/Warehousemen.

23. Instructions and searches.

24. Ticketing Conditions.

25. Governing Law.

 

PRELIMINARY

a)       Definitions

In these Conditions:

1.       "Additional loss or damage" means loss of profits, loss of business and/or any other indirect or consequential loss or damage (that is, loss or damage which does not flow naturally or directly as a result of or from the relevant breach by the Company of its contractual or other duties to passengers, shippers and users);

 

2.       "The Athens Convention" means the Convention relating to the carriage of passengers and their luggage by sea adopted at Athens in 1974 and the 1976 Protocol to such Convention, all as incorporated into the law of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ("the United Kingdom") under sections 183 and 184 of and schedule 6 to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995;

 

3.       "Hand luggage" means luggage which a passenger has in their possession, custody or control including, but not being limited to, goods which the passenger has in or on their vehicle (brought onto the Vessel on an accompanied basis by the passenger) and which, subject to such reasonable restrictions as to size and substance as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions  can be found on the Company website);

 

4.       "Commercial vehicle" means, subject to such reasonable restrictions as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions  can be found on the Company website), if accompanied by a driver in each instance an omnibus, motor coach, commercial vehicle, commercial trailer or other traffic on wheels or tracks primarily concerned with the carriage of goods or with the carriage of fare paying customers and any vehicle being used in the course of business if accompanied by a driver, which term "commercial vehicle" also includes, but is not limited to, any goods carried in or on such commercial vehicle;

 

5.       "Shipper" means the sender and the recipient respectively of luggage, goods, vehicles and/or livestock in respect of which a contract of carriage is made with the Company by consignment note or is deemed to be so made in terms of Condition 18;

6.       "Goods" means, subject to such reasonable restrictions as to size and substance as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions can be found the Company website), all articles, items and substances except luggage, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles, other vehicles and/or livestock;

 

7.       "Hague Visby Rules" means the rules contained in the International Convention for Unification of Certain Rules relating to Bills of Lading signed at Brussels on 25th August 1924, as amended by the Protocol to amend the said Convention signed at Brussels on 23rd February 1968 and by the Protocol signed at Brussels on 21st December 1979 as incorporated into the law of the United Kingdom by the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1971;

 

8.       "Livestock" means, subject to such reasonable restrictions as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions can be found on the Company website), all live animals, excluding dogs and other pet animals;

 

9.       "Luggage" means, subject to such reasonable restrictions as to size and substance as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions  can be found on the Company website), any item of goods, dog or other pet animal and/or private vehicle accompanied by a passenger and carried by the Company under a contract of carriage with the Company, excluding:- any commercial vehicle carried upon a commercial vehicle ticket issued for carriage upon any of the Vessels and/or in the context of any of the services; any item of goods and/or unaccompanied vehicle (whether a commercial vehicle or a private vehicle) carried under a consignment note issued by the Company; and/or livestock;

 

10.    "Owner" means the person who holds themselves out to be the person (whether as a passenger, shipper, user or in any other capacity) for whom the relevant contract for the carriage of luggage, goods, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles and/or livestock is carried out by the Company and shall include any employee, representative, agent or contractor (or sub-contractor of such contractor) of any such person;

 

11.    "Passenger" means any person travelling on a ticket or any person who requires to travel on a ticket issued or (where the practice of the Company is to issue tickets on board its vessels) to be issued by or on behalf of the Company, including, but not being limited to, any person in charge of luggage, goods, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles and/or livestock whether or not a ticket is issued to that person and any person who is entitled to use the services without charge whether or not a complimentary ticket or free pass is issued to such person;

 

12.    "Private vehicle" means, subject to such reasonable restrictions as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions  can be found on the Company website), any vehicle accompanied by a driver other than a commercial vehicle, including, but not being limited to, any goods carried in or on such private vehicle;

 

13.    "Services" means the services offered from time to time by the Company;

 

14.    "Ticket" means a valid boarding voucher which shows that the holder is entitled to use the Company's services;

 

15.    "Unaccompanied vehicle" means, subject to such reasonable restrictions as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions can be found on the Company website), any vehicle (whether commercial or private) which is unaccompanied by a person and is carried under a consignment note or ticket in the form adopted from time to time by the Company;

 

16.    "User" means any person utilising the facilities offered by or on a Vessel;

 

17.    "Vehicle" means, subject to such reasonable restrictions as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions can be found on the Company website), any vehicle (whether self-propelled or not), including, but not being limited to, any commercial vehicle, private vehicle, omnibus, motor coach, trailer, motor car, motor cycle, cycle, baggage trailer, boat trailer, boat, caravan, motorhome and/or all other traffic on wheels or tracks;

 

18.    "Vessel" means any ship, vessel or ferry-boat owned by, or chartered to, or hired/used by the Company in respect of the services.

 

19.    "Standby Queue" means the facility offered at certain ports where a Vehicle can wait in the designated standby area with the aim of joining a sailing if there is sufficient space for that Vehicle to be accommodated. 

 

 

b)       Interpretation

a)       The headings in these Conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

 

b)       In these Conditions, a general condition shall not be restricted in its application by express special conditions and the interpretation of general words shall not be restricted by being preceded by words indicating a particular class of acts, matters or things or being followed by particular examples.

 

c)       In these Conditions, words importing the singular only shall include the plural and vice versa; words importing any gender shall include the other genders; words importing natural persons shall include corporations and vice versa; and words importing the whole shall be treated as including a reference to any part thereof.

 

d)       Any reference to a statute, convention, protocol, code, regulation, publication or order in these Conditions shall be construed as a reference to that statute, convention, protocol, code, regulation, publication or order as amended, re- enacted, modified or extended by other provisions at the relevant time and time to time; shall be construed as including references to any provision of which they are re-enactments (whether with or without modification); and shall be construed as including references to any order, instrument, regulation or other subordinate legislation made pursuant to or as a result of them.

 

e)       Any reference to a condition shall be to the appropriate provision of these Conditions.

 

f)        If any provision of these Conditions shall to any extent be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not consequently in any way be affected or impaired and each of the provisions of these conditions shall be valid, legal and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

g)       Any concession or latitude allowed by the Company to passengers, shippers, and users at any time shall not affect the Company's rights under the provisions of these Conditions or release passengers, shippers and users from liability in respect of such provisions.

 

c)       Carriage undertaken

a)       Passengers, luggage, goods, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles and/or livestock shall be accepted for carriage and shall be carried by the Company under these Conditions which, subject to the Athens Convention and other provisions of the law of Scotland, and subject to the Hague Visby Rules to the extent that they are incorporated into these Conditions, restrict the liability of the Company for the death of or injury to such Passengers and/or restrict and in certain circumstances exclude the liability of the Company for the loss of or damage to such luggage, goods, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles and/or livestock occurring on the Vessels and/or in the context of the Services.

 

b)       These conditions shall apply at all times when the vessels and/or vehicles owned or hired by, or chartered to, the 'Company' are used in the context of the services and/or during all loading and unloading operations at assembly areas, roll- on/roll-off terminals, piers and slipways whether or not these are owned, managed or used by the Company and during trans-shipment between vessels generally and into and from ferryboats whether or not these are owned, managed or use by the Company.

 

d)       Principal Forms of Contract of Carriage

The following shall comprise the principal forms of contract of carriage which the Company undertakes and to which these conditions apply: -

 

1.       The carriage of a Passenger: The carriage of a private vehicle upon a private vehicle ticket and/or an item of goods which when accompanied by a Passenger is carried as luggage or cabin luggage.

 

2.       The carriage of a commercial vehicle upon a commercial vehicle ticket: The shipment and carriage of any item of goods, unaccompanied vehicle and/or livestock under a consignment note in the form adopted from time to time by the Company.

 

e)       Agency in respect

Where a single ticket is issued in respect of a number of Passengers travelling in a group, the person to whom the ticket is issued shall be held to have contracted with the Company as agent for and on behalf of all the Passengers in the group travelling on that ticket, such that all such Passengers shall be deemed to have entered into a contract of carriage with the Company subject to these Conditions and the person to whom the ticket is issued shall be deemed to have warranted that he has authority so to contract on behalf of all of the Passengers travelling on such ticket.

 

f)        Deemed ticketing or deemed consignment

If, owing to any cause whatsoever, any item of goods, vehicle and/or livestock is carried without a private vehicle ticket or a commercial vehicle ticket or a consignment note as appropriate being issued, the Company shall only be liable to and shall only carry and/or deliver the same subject to these Conditions just as if a private or commercial vehicle ticket or consignment note containing reference to these Conditions had been issued by the Company to the relevant Owner.

CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF VESSELS/SERVICES

 

g)        Discretion as to carriage

The Company shall be entitled acting reasonably to refuse to carry any person or Passenger and/or their luggage and/or to receive or ship any item of goods, vehicle and/or livestock (or, where appropriate, any part thereof) notwithstanding that it may previously have agreed to carry, receive or ship the same.

 

h)       Variations regarding sailing

1.       Although the Company will make every reasonable effort to carry Passengers and/or their luggage in a particular Vessel or carry or ship any item of goods, vehicle and/or livestock in the first available or on a particular Vessel or on a particular day or on a particular route or at a specific time, the Company does not guarantee that it will do so. The Company additionally may, acting reasonably, trans-ship Passengers and/or their luggage or any item of goods, vehicle and/or livestock from one Vessel to another.

 

2.       Although the Company will make every reasonable effort to avoid such an outcome, Vessels shall not be obliged to sail according to any advertisement, timetable and/or notice and, accordingly, notwithstanding such advertisement or notice, may sail on any other day or at any other hour not specified in such advertisement, timetable and/or notice.

 

3.       Vessels may: - Sail with or without pilots; tow and assist other Vessels or be towed; call at various ports in any order on either the outward or the return voyage; and/or call at, or off, or may stay at, any intermediate port, whether on or off the customary route, for any reasonable purpose whatsoever and whether such calling is or is not mentioned in any advertisement, timetable and/or notice.

 

4.       In the event of delay to, or cancellation of, a sailing, losses, costs, or expenses might be incurred by Passengers. The Company does not accept any liability for such losses, costs, or expenses incurred by Passengers which may include, but are not limited to, accommodation costs or travel by any alternative form of transportation. Passengers are advised to consider purchasing travel cancellation/delay insurance. Further information can be found on the company website under https://www.calmac.co.uk/travelling-with-calmac/help-for-passengers/passenger-rights.

 

i)         Impediments to loading, carriage, etc

If, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, the loading, carriage, trans-shipment, unloading or delivery (as appropriate) of any Passenger, luggage, item of goods, vehicle and/or livestock is impeded directly or indirectly by: -

 

1.       The imminence, outbreak or existence of war or by any exercise of control over the use or movements of the Vessels or their cargo by any government or other authority (which expression throughout these Conditions shall be deemed to include, but is not limited to, any international or other body or organisation capable of exercising and so doing as a matter of fact the powers of a government or authority or any department of such government or authority);

 

2.       The prohibition, restriction or control of commercial or other transportation by any government or other authority or by the taking of any measures by any government or other authority in consequence of or connected with any of the matters set out in Condition 9a or otherwise;

 

3.       Fire, natural and other disasters, Acts of God, terrorist activities, quarantine, sanitary, customs or labour regulations, lock-outs, strikes or disturbances (whether or not the Company is party to them), ice, surf, bad weather, congestion or closure of ports, perils of the sea, rivers and navigation, defects in or break down of machinery and/or any of the Vessels, absence from any cause whatsoever of full facilities for loading, trans-shipment, unloading or delivery or by any danger or delay howsoever caused to any of the Vessels and/or the Passengers and cargo carried in or on such Vessels;

 

4.       And/or any other matter beyond the control of the Company then the Company shall have the right at any time before or after the commencement of the voyage to cancel the engagement, abandon or suspend the voyage, alter, vary or depart from the proposed or advertised or agreed or customary route and/or delay or detain the Vessel so affected or any of the Vessels at or off any port or place and/or disembark, trans-ship and forward or put into hulk lighter or craft or land or store or otherwise account for (as appropriate) such Passenger, luggage, item of goods, vehicle and/or livestock at any port or place.

 

j)         Compliance with orders

1.       The Company and/or the master of a relevant Vessel shall have the liberty, acting reasonably, to comply with any orders, directions and/or advice as to departure, arrival, routes, ports of call or unloading, stoppages, trans-shipment or destination or otherwise howsoever given by any government or other authority or by any committee or persons having under the terms of any insurance taken out by the Company in respect of a relevant Vessel the right to give such orders , directions and/or advice.

 

2.       If by reason of and/or in compliance with any such orders, directions and/or advice an act is undertaken or omitted to be undertaken, such action or omission shall not be deemed a deviation from or of the Services and delivery in accordance with such orders, directions and/or advice or, in the case of Passengers, arrival at the appropriate port shall be a fulfilment of the contract of voyage and the freight or the Passenger fare, as the case may be, shall be payable accordingly (or, if already paid, shall not be refunded).

 

LIABILITY

 

k)       Liability under the Athens Convention

1.       The provisions of the Athens Convention Rules form part of these Conditions and shall apply in every situation involving the death of or personal injury to a Passenger or the loss of or damage to the luggage of such Passenger occurring on board a Vessel.

 

2.       The incorporation of the Athens Convention in these Conditions shall not be construed so as to restrict or remove the right of the Company to any limitation of or exemption from liability accorded to shipowners or other persons by any statute, convention, protocol, code, regulation, publication or order for the time being in force in the United Kingdom. Any exemption or limitation from liability afforded to the Company whether under the Athens Convention or otherwise under the law of Scotland shall extend to its employees and agents acting within the course and scope of their respective employment/agency.

 

3.       Any liability of the Company under the Athens Convention shall be subject to a deductible, to be applied at the discretion of the Company, of the maximum numbers of units of account referred to in Article 8 of the Athens Convention in respect of damage to a vehicle and/or loss of or damage to other luggage.

 

4.       Commercial vehicles, goods, and unaccompanied vehicles are carried by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Visby Rules as if a bill of lading or any similar document of title had been issued in respect of the carriage save that Article III Rule 8 of the said Rules shall not apply. Should provisions in these Conditions restrict the Company's liability to an extent greater than provisions of the Rules, the provisions in these Conditions shall prevail over the provisions in the Rules.

 

12. Explanatory Note relating to the Athens Convention

It is brought to the attention of Passengers, Shippers and Users that the Athens Convention in most circumstances limits the liability of a carrier for the death of or personal injury to a Passenger and/or the loss of or damage to the luggage of such Passenger and makes special provision for valuables.

 

The Athens Convention presumes that luggage has been delivered undamaged unless written notice is given to the relevant carrier a in the case of apparent damage, before or at the time of disembarkation or redelivery or b in the case of damage which is not apparent or of loss, within 15 days from the date of disembarkation or redelivery, or from the time when such redelivery should have taken place.

 

Under the Athens Convention, any action for damages arising out of the death of or personal injury to a Passenger and/or for the loss of or damage to luggage shall be time-barred after a period of 2 years calculated a in the case of personal injury, from the date of disembarkation of the Passenger or b in the case of death occurring during carriage, from the date when the Passenger should have disembarked or c in the case of personal injury occurring during carriage and resulting in the death of the Passenger after disembarkation, from the date of death, provided that this period shall not exceed 3 years from the date of disembarkation or d in the case of loss of or damage to luggage, from the date of disembarkation or from the date when disembarkation should have taken place, whichever is later.

 

Any damages payable by the Company under the Athens Convention are reduced in proportion to any contributory negligence (fault) of the Passenger and by the maximum limits specified in the Athens Convention.

Passengers should note that the Company cannot benefit from the limitations set out in the Athens Convention where the Company is shown to have intent to damage or where it exhibits reckless behaviour.

 

13.    Explanatory Note relating to the Hague Visby Rules

The Hague Visby Rules impose duties upon the carriers of goods by sea relating to the care of those goods, and in return allow those carriers exceptions from and limits to their liability in respect of any loss or damage to the goods.

 

14.    Liability in other situations

 

a)      Death/Personal Injury

In situations not covered by the Athens Convention, the Company shall be liable for the death of or personal injury to Passengers, Shippers and Users to the extent caused by the negligence of the Company and/or its employees or agents acting within the course and scope of their respective employment/agency.

 

b)      Animals, including Livestock, dogs and other pets

The Company shall not be liable for injury, illness, loss or death of any animal whatsoever, howsoever or wheresoever arising or occurring, even if arising or occurring as a result of negligence on the part of the Company and/or its servants and/or its employees and/or its agents and/or its independent contractors and/or their sub-contractors.

 

The Company shall not be liable for the loss of or injury to dogs and other pet Animals, even if caused by negligence on the part of the Company and/or its servants and/or its employees and/or its agents and/or its independent contractors and/or their sub-contractors. Dogs and pets are carried at the sole risk and responsibility of their owners and/or those in whose possession the dogs or pets boarded the vessel.  Any damage or injury whatsoever caused or inflicted by such dog or pet shall be regarded as damage caused by the owner, or person in whose possession the dog or pet boarded the vessel under the provisions of paragraph n) of this clause.

 

c)      Time Limit for Claims

Any claim which is not covered by the Athens Convention or by the Hague Visby Rules must be notified in writing on the Company within 28 days of disembarkation or of the date when the claimant first had knowledge of the material facts giving rise to the claim, whichever date is the later, and any action thereon must be commenced within two years of such date. Unless these time limits are complied with the Company shall be under no liability to the Passenger whatsoever

 

d)      Defect/Failure of any Services

The Company shall not be liable for loss or damage arising from a defect in or failure of any of the Services where such defect or failure is caused by:- the fault of a Passenger; the fault of a third party (that is, a party other than an employee or agent of the Company acting within the course and scope of their respective employment/agency); unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the Company; and/or the matters set out in Conditions 8,9,10.

 

e)      Additional loss or damage

The Company shall not be liable under any circumstances for any Additional Loss or Damage whatsoever suffered or incurred by any Passenger, Shipper and/ or User howsoever caused, and even if caused by negligence on the part of the Company and/or its servants and/or its employees and/or its agents and/or its independent contractors and/or their sub- contractors.

 

f)       Benefit of all rights and exemptions

The Passenger agrees that the Vessel, its owner, master and crew and any employee or servant or agent or independent contractor or sub-contractor of independent contractor of the Company shall have the benefit of all rights and exemptions under these conditions. For this purpose, the Company is or shall be deemed to be acting as agent or trustee of all persons who are, were or might be at any time such an owner, master, member of the crew, employee or servant or agent or independent contractor.

 

g)      Company acting as agent

In making arrangements for any accommodation, tours, shore excursions, transportation, and service of any description whatsoever, the Company acts only as the agent of the Passenger and does so on the express condition that no liability of any kind howsoever caused shall attach to the Company in connection with or arising out of such arrangements, even in circumstances where there has been negligence on the part of the Company and/or its servants and/or its employees and/or its agents and/or its independent contractors and/or their sub-contractors.

 

h)      Medical attention

In the event that medical attention of any kind or ambulance assistance (shore, sea or air) may be necessary and is provided or ordered by the Company or the Vessel's Owners, Master or crew, the Passenger (or persona representative of the Passenger) for whom the services was obtained shall be liable for the full costs thereof.

 

i)        Refrigerated trailers

The Company shall endeavour to provide an electricity supply to refrigerated trailers during their carriage on Vessels but shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind whatsoever caused by the non-provision or inadequacy or interruption or failure of any such supply, even if such non-provision, inadequacy, interruption or failure is a result of negligence on the part of the Company and/or its servants and/ or its employees and/or its agents and/or its independent contractors and/or their sub-contractors.

 

j)        Lighterage expense/Livestock Consignment

1.       Unless otherwise agreed, all lighterage, cartage or other haulage whether before, during or after shipment in or on a Vessel shall be entirely at the Owner's expense.

 

2.       The Company shall not be accountable for the number of livestock stated on any consignment note (such number being taken on the representation of the Owner of such livestock) nor for the correct selection of livestock of any Owner on landing.

 

3.       Shippers of livestock should note that in order to comply with its obligations under The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, the Company may at its discretion require such Shippers to provide that livestock transported on the Vessels is accompanied by at least 1 person who has specific training or equivalent practical experience qualifying him to handle and transport vertebrate animals (and to administer, if necessary, appropriate care to such animals).

 

k)      No undertaking as to Notice of Arrival of Goods, etc.

1.       The Company does not undertake to send any notice of the Company's receipt of any vehicle, goods, livestock, or luggage for the purpose of carriage and the Company does not undertake to send any notice of the arrival of any vehicle, goods, livestock or luggage subsequent to carriage.

 

2.       The Company shall have no liability whatsoever for loss of or damage to any vehicle, goods or luggage given into the custody of the Company more than two hours before the departure time of the Vessel upon which the carriage of the vehicle, goods or luggage is intended to take place, and the Company shall have no liability whatsoever for loss of or damage to any vehicle, goods or luggage left in the custody of the Company more than one hour after discharge, save where the party bringing a claim in respect of such loss or damage can show that the loss or damage occurred within a period beginning two hours before the relevant sailing time and ending one hour after the relevant discharge, in which case the other exclusions of liability set out in these conditions shall apply. The exclusion of liability set out in this clause shall apply even in circumstances where there has been negligence on the part of the Company and/or its servants and/or its employees and/or its agents and/or its independent contractors and/or their sub-contractors.

 

l)        No undertaking as to safe custody

The Company undertakes no responsibility for the safe custody or delivery of nor will it be accountable for any loss which may occur to any bullion, bank notes, of jewellery, etc other negotiable securities, title deeds, clocks, watches, jewellery, precious stones, paintings, prints, statuary, silk, lace, furs, gold or silver of any kind and/or any other articles of value, either before or at shipment, during transit, in landing or afterwards, except where such valuables have been deposited with the Company for the agreed purpose of safe-keeping in which case the provisions of the Athens Convention shall apply.

 

m)    The Company's right to hold Goods

1.       The Company shall be entitled to hold any luggage, goods, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles and/or livestock until all the charges and costs due to the Company in respect of them are paid, and/or until all other amounts due to the Company from any Owner of the relevant luggage, goods, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles and/or livestock, in respect of any other matter whatsoever, are paid

 

2.       The Company shall be entitled further to sell such luggage, goods, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles and/or livestock upon reasonable notice at such time and in such manner as the Company may decide, to satisfy any amounts owed to the Company by any Owners of the relevant luggage, goods, commercial vehicles, unaccompanied vehicles and/or livestock, and the Company may deduct from the proceeds of sale the costs and expenses of and incidental to such sale

 

n)      Damage caused by Passengers, Shippers and Users

All Passengers, Shippers and Users shall be liable to the Company for any damage occasioned by them or any of them to any Vessel and its fittings, furnishings and equipment or any other property of the Company through their or their negligence or wilful act or omission or breach of these Conditions and shall indemnify the Company, its employees and agents in respect of all liability such as the Company, its employees and/or agents may incur through such negligence, wilful act or omission or breach.

 

o)      Personal damage claims

CalMac Ferries Ltd, or its affiliates, partners, suppliers or licensors are not liable for reimbursement of incidental property damages whereby such damage could have been averted. We do acknowledge, upon exceptional occasion, that such damage may be unavoidable, and, in such case, special attention will be given and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 

Any claim submitted will need to be supported by adequate evidence of damage, cost and of fault on behalf of CalMac Ferries.   Damages payable by the Company under the Athens Convention are reduced in proportion to any contributory negligence (fault) of the Passenger and CalMac Ferries will not be responsible for any costs incurred that exceed the maximum limits specified in the Athens Convention. Passengers should note that the Company cannot benefit from the limitations set out in the Athens Convention where the Company is shown to have intent to damage or where it exhibits reckless behaviour.

 

Liability of the carrier for the loss of or damage to other luggage is limited to 3,375 SDR per passenger, per carriage.

 

p)      Maximum Protection allowed by Law/Time Limits

Notwithstanding the terms of these Conditions, the Company shall in any event be entitled to the maximum protection allowed by law in respect of the liability of or any limitation on damages recoverable from shipowners and the Company's rights to such protection shall also apply where the Company is not the owner or hirer of any Vessel operating on or in respect of any part of the Services.

 

REGULATIONS IN RESPECT OF DANGEROUS GOODS AND SUBSTANCES

 

15.    Dangerous Goods and Substances

1.       No dangerous goods or substances as classified in any of the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016 and/or the M-Notices (as amended) will be loaded upon or unloaded from the Vessels at slipways, piers or ferry terminals used by the Vessels or any of them, nor will any such dangerous goods or substances be accepted for shipment on board any of the Vessels unless prior application in the manner prescribed by the Company from time to time has been made.

 

2.        Additionally, Passengers and other Owners are advised that firearms will require to have a licence exhibited in respect of them to the master of a Vessel and will also require to be deposited within a safe, locked space at the commencement of a voyage, such firearms to be returned at the end of such voyage to the relevant Passenger or other Owner. The Company will not ship unlicensed firearms.

 

3.       All regulations, terms and conditions applicable to the shipment of dangerous goods and substances on board the Vessels shall be strictly adhered to by Passengers and other Owners of such goods and substances.

 

16. Explanatory Note relating to the shipment of Dangerous Goods and Substances

The following items/materials are classified under these Conditions as being or comprising dangerous goods and substances: - firearms; explosives; non-flammable compressed liquefied or dissolved gas; toxic gas; flammable gas; flammable liquid; flammable solids; spontaneously combustible substances; substances which in contact with water are liable to become spontaneously combustible or to give off noxious, poisonous or flammable gas; oxidising substances; organic peroxides; toxic substances; infectious substances, radioactive substances; corrosive substances, fireworks and other substances as specified in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (a copy of which Code can be found on the Company website or any other publication from time to time of a similar nature).

 

17. Regulations for the conveyance of petrol, fuel oil and cylinders and cartridges of liquefied hydrocarbon gas in vehicles on board the Vessels

The following, which shall be deemed to include the relevant "M" Notice (a copy of which Notice can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/transporting-dangerous-goods-by-sea-m-notices) or any publication from time to time of a similar nature, comprise the Company's Regulations with which all Passengers, Shippers and Users must comply in relation to the conveyance of petrol, fuel oil and cylinders and cartridges of hydrocarbon gas (such as Calor Gas, Flogas, Campingaz or any other bottled gas used for camping or domestic heating or lighting purposes) in or on any vehicle carried on the Vessels:-

 

a)       All vehicles carrying petrol or fuel oil in their main fuel tank shall be fitted with means whereby the fuel supply shall be shut off either: (i) in the case of gravity feed by closing the valve or (ii) in the case of a pump feed by stopping the engine.

 

b)       No fuel tank shall be filled to such a degree as will allow any spillage during loading or unloading or throughout the voyage when the motion of the Vessel must be taken into account.

 

c)       If you are a foot, bicycle or coach passenger: dangerous goods and substances must not be carried in hand luggage. If you are unsure of what qualifies as dangerous goods and substances, please enquire at the port prior to departure.

 

d)       With regard to gas cylinders in boats, caravans and in other vehicles where the gas is used solely in connection with its operation or business, steps shall be taken by Passengers, Shippers, and Users to ensure that all cylinders are declared by such Passengers, Shippers and Users to the Vessel's officer in charge of loading and the following conditions shall apply: -

 

                                 i.            The maximum number of cylinders carried shall be 3, except in the case of small expendable cartridges hermetically sealed and packed in an outer container, when up to 12 may be carried;

                                ii.            All cylinders shall be adequately secured against movement of the ship;

                              iii.            The supply shall be shut off at the cylinders during the entire voyage;

                              iv.            Leaking and inadequately secured or connected cylinders should not be offered for shipment and no pierced expendable cartridge shall be carried in any vehicle. Any such cartridge shall be safely disposed of prior to shipment of the vehicle.

                                v.            Passengers shall not be allowed access to any vehicle after loading except in the presence of a ship's officer or member of the crew of any Vessel.

 

e)       Medical Oxygen - Please inform us at the time of booking (or at least 24 hours in advance of travel for bookable routes) if you will be carrying medical oxygen. The use of medical oxygen is only permitted on-board in non-smoking areas. The following applies to the carriage of medical oxygen:  Medical oxygen for personal use, carried in private vehicles, may carry up to six, of size 'F,' or smaller (i.e. up to 60 litres aggregate water capacity) containing UN 1072 - compressed oxygen. This is providing the passenger has a letter from a medical practitioner stating they require medical oxygen.

 

18. Breach of Regulations 15 and 17

Any breach of the Regulations referred to or contained in Conditions 15 and 17, as to which breach the Company, its employees and/or agents acting reasonably shall be the sole judge, shall entitle the Company to refuse shipment and to take such other reasonable action as may be deemed necessary to ensure the safety of its Vessels, Passengers, crew and cargo.

 

The Owner who is in breach shall be liable for any loss, damage and/or injury arising from such breach sustained by the Company, its employees and/or agents and all payments made to the Company for the intended shipment and carriage such as are frustrated by such breach shall be forfeited by such Owner to the Company (and credited by the Company towards the amount of such loss, damage and/or injury).

 

GENERAL MATTERS

 

19. Luggage entitlement

Each Passenger shall be allowed, free of charge, 40kg of luggage (which expression is as defined in Condition 1, but

which, in the contextf this Condition only, does not include a private vehicle). All luggage in excess of 40kg shall only be taken by special arrangement with the Company.

 

20. Unaccompanied Minors

Minors travel is managed on a case by case basis. However, on longer haul crossings, unaccompanied travel will not be permitted for children under 16 unless prearranged by a parent, guardian or other authorised adult of age 18 or over, except for special arrangements such as school-related travel or an emergency event. In addition, we reserve the right to refuse unaccompanied minors travelling at any time should it impact their safety or the safety of fellow passengers or staff. 

 

21. Miscellaneous

All tickets and consignment notes issued by the Company or its agents shall be issued subject to these Conditions where the same are required for the use of the Services and shall be similarly issued subject to the regulations referred to in the terms, conditions, timetables, bills and/or notices of the authorities, companies or owners on whose railways, airways, coaches or Vessels they are required for the purposes of a particular voyage or facility and in the latter case such tickets shall be issued by the Company as agents for and on behalf of such other authorities, companies or owners. It shall be the responsibility of Passengers and Owners as appropriate to familiarise themselves with such terms, conditions, timetables, bills and/or notices.

 

It is the intention of the Company that all the terms of any contract of carriage entered into by Passengers, Shippers and Users with the Company are as set out in these Conditions. The Company is not and does not hold itself out as a common carrier. The Contract is governed by and is subject to these conditions. No person other than a director of the Company has authority to vary these Conditions and no such variation shall be of any effect unless it is in writing signed by such director.

 

22. Storekeepers/Warehousemen

The Company and its agents are neither storekeepers nor warehousemen, although the Company may consent so to be at its sole discretion by arrangement with relevant parties.

 

23. Instructions and searches

All reasonable instructions given by the Company, its employees and/or agents to ensure safety shall be complied with by all Passengers, Shippers and Users. The Company, its employees and/or agents shall be entitled to undertake reasonable searches of Passengers, luggage, goods, commercial vehicles and/or unaccompanied vehicles carried or to be carried on their Vessels to ensure the safety and welfare generally of its Vessels, Passengers, crew and cargo.

 

24. Ticketing Conditions

The following, which are subject to such reasonable restrictions and changes as may from time to time be published by the Company (a list of which restrictions and changes can be found on the Company website).

a)       Valid ticket - All Passengers must be in possession of a valid ticket at the time of travel and shall exhibit such ticket to a Company employee if so requested. Where a ticket is issued in respect of a number of Passengers travelling in a group, the person to whom the ticket is issued shall exhibit such ticket to a Company employee if so requested.

 

b)       Standby Queue - Vehicles will be offered space on a sailing from the Standby Queue on a first-come-first-served basis and subject to availability. 

 

c)       Cancellation/amendment fees - Bookings will be subject to a £10 cancellation administration fee, unless this is under circumstances where the cancellation fee is waived i.e., disruption to service or qualifying for an Exemption (as defined below). The £10 cancellation fee is applicable up until 24 hours before departure time. Bookings cancelled within the 24 hours prior to departure will gain no refund (unless an Exemption applies) and no administration fee will be charged. Amendments to a booking will be accepted free of charge up until check in closing.

Exemptions to cancellation fees are one of the following:

·       Death of an immediate family member;

·       Debilitating illness preventing travel;

·       Involvement in a road traffic accident;

·       Multivessel journey where one leg of the journey has been cancelled by the Company; or

·       NHS National Services Scotland cancelling an appointment.

 

d)     No shows - Where a Passenger does not attend for part of a booked journey (including where a Passenger is refused carriage as a result of not having checked-in on time per paragraph (j) of this clause) they will invalidate their booking for the leg of the journey they did not attend. Customers failing to attend will gain no refund. The booking for the remainder of a multi-vessel journey and/or any return journey under the same booking will remain valid and will be subject to the same rules for cancellation/amendment and non-attendance.

In the event of an Exemption (see paragraph (c) of this clause) resulting in Passenger non-attendance, the Company will provide the customer with a full refund in respect of the leg(s) which they did not show for.

 

e)      Joining the 'Standby' queue when classed as a 'no-show' - Should a customer not check in on time, they will be classified as a 'no-show' (per paragraph (d) of this clause).  However, they may then opt to join the Standby Queue without purchasing a separate ticket. Where it is possible to accommodate the customer on the same booked sailing via the Standby Queue, the customer may use their original ticket and it will be treated as not having been invalidated. If the customer seeks to travel on a later sailing via the Standby Queue then they will require to purchase a separate ticket.  Exemptions still apply (as per paragraph (b) of this clause).

 

f)        Cost and Validity of Tickets and Other Ticketing Conditions - These shall be determined as follows: -

 

                     i.            The validity of single, return and multiple tickets shall be as prescribed by the Company from time to time, subject always to a Passenger being advised at the time of issue of such tickets of such validity.

 

                    ii.            Defaced or Damaged Tickets - Any ticket which has become illegible or altered shall not be valid.

 

                  iii.            Lost/Mislaid/Stolen Tickets - The Company does not undertake to replace lost tickets or make any refund to Passengers in respect of lost, mislaid, or stolen tickets or of any fares which may be charged in consequence of the Passenger's failure to produce a ticket when required.

 

                  iv.            Refunds - Subject to such administration or cancellation charge as is shown on the Company website, consideration shall be given to applications for refunds in respect of unused tickets which are returned to the Company's head office, the current location of which is set out at the end of these Conditions.

 

                    v.            Receipts - Customers should note that receipts can be issued only at time of ticket purchase.

 

                  vi.            Non-transferability - Tickets shall not be transferable.

 

g)       Vehicle Lengths and Rates - Details in respect of vehicle lengths and rates can be found on the Company website.

 

h)       Pier Dues - All Passenger and vehicle fares include dues raised by various pier and harbour authorities.

 

i)         Commercial Vehicles and Coaches - All commercial vehicles presented for shipment must be fitted with lashing points in compliance with the Ro-Ro Ships - Storage and Securing of Vehicles - Code of Practice (a copy of which can be found on the Company website). Vehicles not complying with such Code of Practice may be refused shipment.

 

j)         Latest Check-in Time - On all Services, Passengers and vehicle drivers must be in possession of tickets before boarding (where applicable) and shall be required to check-in no later than the times for checking-in, as shown on the company website, from time to time in respect of each route. Late checking-in may lead to the Passenger and/or vehicle being refused carriage.

 

k)       Reservation Arrangements - Only one reservation per vehicle/per direction/per day will be accepted. Advance payment is required in respect of all bookings made. Unless cancelled prior to check-in time, customers failing to show will be charged the full single fare.

 

l)         Accessibility Passengers - Certain Vessels have facilities for disabled Passengers, who are requested to make known any special needs at the time of booking and when checking in at terminals. Any discounts which the Company may from time to time allow in respect of the carriage of disabled persons will only be given on presentation of such documentation as the Company, acting reasonably, may require. For full details, please check our Assisted Travel Guide at: https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/7651/Assisted-Travel-Guide.

 

m)     Roof-Racks - Drivers of vehicles carrying items of luggage on roof-racks must be prepared to remove such items of luggage and/or roof-racks at the time of shipment if requested to do so by any of the Company's employees.

 

n)       Accompanied dogs and other animals - the person accompanying a dog or other pet animal is responsible for the control and actions of it of it at all times, while on board a vessel or on our premises. In particular, you must ensure that any dog or animal travelling with you: -

1.                   Remains in those areas designated by us as being suitable for animals and is kept off furnishings (such as chairs, benches or tables) or equipment; and

2.                   Is suitably restrained with an appropriate leash or harness; or kept in an appropriate pet carrier and is kept at a reasonable distance from other passengers and dogs/animals, where possible, to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.

3.                   Where possible is left securely in your vehicle and has adequate ventilation, space, drinking water and protection from direct sunlight. Please note that passengers shall not be allowed unaccompanied to visit their dog or animal on car decks on certain Vessels while at sea.

4.                   Assistance dogs can access all public areas on our ferries, except designated children's play areas.

You are liable for any losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the Company for repairs, replacement or cleaning, due to damage caused by the animal you are accompanying to a vessel or premises furnishings, flooring, or equipment, or the property of other passengers or shippers, crew, staff, or any other dogs or pets on board.

o)       Dog Fouling - Dog fouling is strictly forbidden on our vessels. CalMac reserves the right to issue dog owners with a £50 fine in contravention of this notice. The fine must be paid in full before the passenger disembarks the vessel. Full details on pets can be viewed via the CalMac website.

 

p)       Safety on Board - Passengers are requested to pay attention to safety announcements and/or notices. Passengers shall not be allowed on the vehicle decks of certain Vessels while such Vessels are at sea. Vehicle occupants must be prepared to leave their vehicles as soon as such vehicles are parked on board. Smoking shall be prohibited on vehicle decks.

 

q)       Smoking Policy - Smoking or vaping (e-cigarette) is not permitted on-board our vessels or within our premises. Outside, designated smoking areas are provided on certain vessels and at certain locations. These are clearly marked. Neither smoking nor vaping is allowed inside any area of a vessel or on the vehicle decks. It is an offence to smoke in an area other than one designated as a smoking area and/or to obstruct or disconnect any fire/smoke alarms on any vessel or property owned/operated by CalMac. CalMac reserves the right to refuse service to any passenger in breach of this policy

 

r)        Drug and Alcohol Policy - Alcohol is offered for sale on many of the vessels operated by CalMac. Alcohol must not be consumed unless purchased on board. CalMac may withdraw the sale of alcohol from its service and/or refuse to sell alcohol to any Passenger at its discretion. Passengers who are considered to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and are deemed to pose a risk of disturbance or harm may be refused carriage - in which case the Passenger will gain no refund.

 

s)        Cash handling - Our preferred method of payment is contactless. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Apple, Google and Samsung Pay. We no longer accept American Express.

 

t)        Disorderly passengers - We will not tolerate any instance of work-related violence, including verbal abuse, to our staff.  All employees have the right to be treated with consideration, dignity and respect.  The company will support any colleague subject to aggressive and violent behaviour and take the appropriate action to the fullest extent legally available. Further details on our zero-tolerance policy can be found at: https://www.calmac.co.uk/no-abuse.

 

25. Governing Law

These Conditions and any contracts of carriage entered into by Passengers, Shippers and Users with the Company shall be governed by the law of Scotland (including, but not being limited to, any international convention, protocol, code or order incorporated into the law of Scotland) and the Scottish courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction in respect of any dispute arising from such Conditions and/or contracts of carriage.

NOTICE OF ALL OF WHICH IS HEREBY GIVEN.

CalMac Ferries Limited Head and Registered Office:

The Ferry Terminal, Gourock, PA19 1QP; Scotland

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