Inter Island Ferries
General
Travel between the Shetland mainland and the larger islands is by car ferry. There is currently a mixture of older and newer vessels used for this service and standards of access therefore varies depending on the vessel used. Older vessels generally have a poorer standard of access and few facilities on board suitable for disabled passengers. As journey times are short, passengers may choose to remain in their vehicles throughout the journey. Newer vessels have much improved levels of access and both disabled and non-disabled passengers can take advantage of the facilities on board such as accessible toilets and lifts to passenger lounges which offer good views of the scenery and coastline.
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All passengers should be aware that these are general purpose car ferries which transport heavy commercial vehicles in addition to cars and passengers. As such the ferry terminals, boarding ramps and ferry decks are shared between vehicles and passengers and whilst vehicle movements are supervised by ferry crews care should be taken whilst moving within these shared areas. As these vessels operate in a variety of weather conditions it is necessary for them to be equipped with chains for securing vehicles to the decks and passengers should be aware that both chains and securing points on the decks can form a trip hazard. Whilst the decks of the vessels generally offer good slip resistance it should also be noted that they will inevitably become more slippery on rough days due to heavy rain and spray from the sea.
The ramps used to board the ferries are of a necessarily heavy construction and may form a trip hazard for pedestrians so care should be exercised when crossing these. The gradient of these ramps also vary considerably due to the variance in tide but rarely to the point that it becomes problematic. All ferry crews have attended disability awareness training and passengers should not hesitate to ask them for any assistance or information which they require.
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"It is suggested that to make crew aware that you may require assistance during the boarding process and journey, you should use your hazard warning lights when queuing to board."
Travel to the smaller islands is by small passenger boats. These do not carry cars and so use traditional piers rather than vehicle ramps. As such they are not generally suitable for independent wheelchair users or passengers with serious mobility problems. Please refer to relevant sections in this guide for more detailed information.
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It should be noted that not all terminal buildings have accessible toilet facilities. Any terminal buildings which do not have accessible toilets display notices indicating the local of the nearest accessible toilet in that area.
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