Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes now need to be secured at all times while travelling on Council ferries operating between Gutcher, Yell and Belmont, Unst and vice-versa.
Following a recent incident on board MV Bigga, Shetland Islands Council has received a direction from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), that all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must be secured on the deck of vessels, irrespective of weather and tidal conditions.
Previously, the Master of the vessel could apply a discretion based on the type of vehicle and the conditions on the day. Â
Under this new direction, this discretion can no longer be applied on this route.Â
This requirement must take place with immediate effect.
Other inter-island ferry routes, including Fetlar, remain unaffected, and existing arrangements can continue.
Council staff  are currently working to assess the implications of this change and how best to minimise the disruption to ferry services. Â
The effect of this new direction is that there will be some ongoing disruption to ferry services on Bluemull Sound while longer term arrangements are formulated and agreed.Â
It is inevitable that this will impact on ferry timetables, with extra time needed for larger vehicles to be lashed.  Â
Lashings will also reduce available deck space for other vehicles travelling at the same time.
