Safety on board
Information about safety on board the ferries in Gotland traffic
Safety regulations on board
All passengers are asked to take note of our safety information. After the ship's departure a safety film is shown in Swedish and English on all monitors, with sound via the ship's loudspeaker system and in sign language. The onboard information includes an information sheet on what applies in the event of an emergency. In the cabins there is an evacuation plan on the inside of each door.
The following safety regulations apply to passengers
- Substances classified as dangerous goods must be declared at check-in.
- Do not use a mobile phone while boarding
- The handbrake on vehicles must be engaged while on board
- Passengers without vehicles must leave their luggage at the terminal. Only hand luggage may be brought on board
- On caravans and motorhomes the main valve of the gas system must be turned off
- Passengers are not permitted on the vehicle deck during the crossing. An opportunity for inspection is provided once during the crossing
- Smoking is not permitted on board or out on deck during the crossing. This also applies to e-cigarettes
- Start your vehicle only when it is time to disembark the ship. Follow the crew's instructions
The crew on board can provide more information on safety matters.
Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are all types of goods covered by the IMDG regulations in any of classes 1–9. Transport of dangerous goods takes place on designated freight sailings, where the goods are loaded onto the vehicle deck in accordance with the guidelines and regulations for the individual substances. Passengers carrying products classified as dangerous goods are required to declare them at check-in, even if it concerns a small quantity. Examples of commonly occurring substances are petrol, diesel fuel, home heating oil, glue, paint and various gases, e.g. LPG. Some substances may not be carried on regular sailings. This applies, for example, to acetylene. Contact Destination Gotland if you need more information.
In adverse weather conditions
Ferries depart according to the timetable unless otherwise stated in our information system, which is available via "Current traffic information" on our website and on monitors in the terminals. The ship's master is the person who decides if a sailing must be cancelled due to the prevailing weather conditions. Our large fast ferries, SF6150 and SF1500, are adapted to conditions in the Baltic Sea and have stabilizers that reduce the ship's motion in the water. If a sailing is cancelled due to weather conditions, it is done to take passengers' comfort into greater account rather than because the crossing would pose a safety risk. When a sailing is cancelled an SMS is sent to all affected passengers who have provided their mobile number when booking.
In the event of serious illness
There are always trained medical staff among the crew on Destination Gotland's vessels. The ships have a sickbay and equipment for treating acute medical cases, such as a defibrillator so that we can provide rapid assistance in the event of cardiac arrest. If necessary we arrange immediate medical transport from the port of arrival. In more serious cases a helicopter is summoned and the medical transport takes place directly from the ship.
In the event of fire on board
Fire watch personnel make regular rounds throughout the ship. Smoke and heat detectors are installed throughout the vessel. Alarms are connected to the ship's fire monitoring system, which is monitored both on the bridge and in the engine control room. The ship's safety organisation includes trained firefighting teams, including smoke divers. In the event of a fire alarm the extinguishing team will be on site shortly. The ships are equipped with a comprehensive water sprinkler system. Fire hydrants, portable fire extinguishers and alarm buttons are also placed around the ship.
If an emergency occurs
In the event of an emergency alarm you should listen to the crew's information and follow their instructions. The crew assist with the distribution of life jackets. The crew go through all cabins and stairwells to ensure that everyone reaches their muster stations. Both the number of life jackets and the capacity of lifeboats and life rafts exceed the number of people on board. The life rafts contain equipment such as water, paddles, lighting, distress flares and first aid equipment.
ISPS – A security regime for terminals and ships
ISPS (International Ship and Port Security) is an international set of rules for the protection of port facilities and ships. The regulations were developed as a consequence of the terrorist attack in New York and are intended to increase security with regard to potential threats. The port area and the ships constitute a security zone, and in accordance with ISPS searches of personnel, passengers, cargo, visitors and port staff entering the security zone may be carried out. The searches are looking for substances and materials that could be used in a potential threat.
