Travel Safely
Safety is our number one priority at Sydney Ferries.
Please click the links above to read some tips for safe travel on board our vessels, on wharves and when travelling with children.
On the Wharf
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; and
- Lifebuoy tamper alarms and back-to-base monitoring systems.
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
- Behave safely at all times (e.g. avoid running or riding bikes, skateboards, scooters or skates on the wharves)
- Keep yourself and anything you are carrying clear of aisles, steps, gangways and thoroughfares
- Do not climb on railings or the wharf structure or move behind safety railings
- 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 times (e.g. avoid swearing, spitting, fighting and throwing items into the water)
- Take your rubbish with 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
If you require any assistance or have any questions please don't hesitate to approach a Sydney Ferries staff member.
Capacity on Sydney Ferries vessels:
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 on board. 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.
In an emergency
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.
On the Vessel
To provide you with a positive and memorable experience, we ask that where possible, you practice the following tips for safe ferry travel:
- Obey signage instructions and announcements on vessels
- Behave safely at all times (e.g. avoid running or riding bikes, skateboards, scooters or skates on vessels)
- Where possible prams should be folded away prior to boarding. Ask a crew member for advice on safe stowage of your pram.
- Keep yourself and anything you are carrying clear of aisles, steps, gangways and thoroughfares
- Do not climb on railings or lean over the edge of the vessel
- Follow the instructions of the crew and staff at all times
- Closely supervise your children, keep them seated safely and do not allow them to move unsupervised throughout the vessel
- Respect the needs and comfort of other passengers
- Use non-offensive language and behave appropriately at all times
- Take your rubbish with you or dispose of it thoughtfully
- Do not throw items into the harbour or waterways
- 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 vessels
- If you feel uncomfortable please speak to a crew member who will be happy to assist you.
Bicycles and prams on Sydney Ferries vessels
Carriage of bicycles, prams and other bulky items is limited due to capacity constraints.
For the safety and comfort of other passengers we ask that you allow others to board or alight the ferry before taking your bicycle on board. You are not required to purchase a separate ticket for your bicycle.
The Manly service vessels have areas where bicycles can be secured during the journey. Please ask the crew where they are located. For all other vessels, please ask the crew to guide you to the most appropriate area to stow your bicycle during the trip.
For your convenience, secure bicycle lockers are available at some wharves, click here to find out more information.
In an emergency
Observe all safety signs and announcements and follow any instructions given to you by the crew.
Travelling with Children
In addition to the tips for safe travel above, the following should be observed when travelling with children.
- When boarding or alighting via the gangway, ensure that your children hold on to the rail
- Ensure your children stay well away from the edge of the wharf or pontoon
- Keep a firm hold of your pram while on a wharf or vessel and employ your pram brakes
- Do not let your children run or stray on a wharf or vessel
- Children should be assisted through the gates and families should consider using the wide gate