Safety
Sydney Ferries is dedicated to delivering a safe, reliable and customer focused service. Safety is our first priority, and we uphold high standards to provide both a safe work environment for staff and a safe transport service for customers.
.jpg){kind=small}
View a PDF of our Environment and Safety statistics for January 2010.
- Maintained by highly trained and skilled engineers and tradesmen, our ferry fleet meets the safety survey requirements of the NSW Maritime Authority.
- To meet these requirements and provide a safe service, Sydney Ferries provides:
- Lifejackets for each passenger, and life buoys and safety signage on each vessel
- Safety messages that are played before, during and after journeys; and
- Appropriately skilled, qualified and trained crews to manage both regular passenger transport and emergency situations. This ensures customers can travel safely on Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River, especially during busy periods that have high levels of commercial and recreational traffic.
Meeting international maritime standards, Sydney Ferries has a certified Integrated Safety Management System that is designed to assist with the safe operation of public ferry services on Sydney Harbour.
- Wharves used by Sydney Ferries are equipped with:
- Closed-circuit TV cameras operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to monitor and record incidents;
- Emergency Help Points are located on most wharves in our network to provide a two-way communication system with a Customer Service Officer for emergency assistance; and
- Lifebuoy tamper alarms and back-to-base monitoring systems.
In the interests of your safety Sydney Ferries vessels are licensed to carry a set number of passengers. This number relates to the amount of life-saving equipment available, vessel survey requirements and the ability of staff to effectively manage emergency situations.
If a ferry reaches maximum capacity, the law prevents Sydney Ferries from allowing additional people onboard. This means vessels may not stop at your wharf or passengers may be left behind if the vessel is full. Where possible, Sydney Ferries will provide an additional vessel to pick up passengers and/ or provide alternate transport advice.
Please understand that our captains and crew must abide by this regulation to ensure the safety of all our customers and staff.
To provide you with a positive and memorable experience, we ask that where possible, you practice the following tips for safe ferry travel:
- Arrive at least five minutes prior to departure
- Obey signage instructions on wharves and ferries
- Behave safely at all times (e.g. avoid running or riding bikes, skateboards, scooters or skates on the wharves and ferries)
- Keep yourself and anything you are carrying clear of aisles, steps, gangways and thoroughfares
- Follow the instructions of the crew and staff at all times
- Closely supervise your children
- Respect the needs and comfort of other passengers
- Use non-offensive language and behave appropriately at all tiems (e.g. avoid swearing, spitting, fighting, throwing items into the water and keep feet off seats)
- Report graffiti and vandalism by calling the Transport Infoline on 131 500
- Take your rubbish wiht you or dispose of it thoughtfully
- Allow other passengers to alight before boarding and follow the crew's instructions at all times
- Do not carry knives, spray cans and permanent marker pens
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol on wharves and ferries
Sydney Ferries sustains a strong commitment to the continuous improvement of safety management systems, safety awareness and safe work practices.
For more information please refer to the following:
· The Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator