Stena Line have announced that all passengers are required to wear face masks whilst in port and on board all vessels.
The message reads: “The safety of our passengers and colleagues is always our top priority and to ensure that we are doing all we can do to protect you, we have added a new safety measure.
“Face masks or face coverings must now be worn whilst in our ports and onboard our vessels from Monday 15 June. Exceptions to this rule are children under the age of three and anyone with a breathing condition, illness or disability that prevents or hinders them from wearing a face covering.
“Please note for night sailings that arrive on the morning of 15 June, face coverings will be required from departure the night before on 14 June.
“Your safety is of the utmost importance, which is why we have initiated a host of measures to protect everyone, and we thank you for your co-operation.”
Stena Line Coronavirus Advice:
As the Coronavirus COVID-19 continues to spread, we recognise and appreciate the increased uncertainty that this is causing. The situation has our fullest attention. The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority and we are taking several precautionary safety measures to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all. In light of the current situation, we will do everything we can to assist you with your upcoming travel plans.
DO I NEED TO WEAR A FACEMASK?
Ferries to France
Following French Government instructions in relation to Covid 19 issued on 11 May, all passengers of 11 years of age and above are now required to wear a facemask or face covering when travelling through Cherbourg Port and onboard the Stena Horizon. From 15 June all Stena Line passengers* will be required to wear face masks or face coverings whilst in our ports or onboard our vessel when travelling on our route to France.
Ferries to Britain, Ireland and Holland
From Monday 15 June all Stena Line passengers* will be required to wear face masks or face coverings whilst in our ports or onboard our vessels when travelling on our Irish Sea and North Sea routes. The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority, and we ask that all customers arrive at our ports prepared and with their own face mask or face covering.
* Children under the age of three and individuals with a breathing condition, illness or disability that prevents or hinders them from wearing a face covering are exempt from this requirement.
Please note that only essential travel, as defined by the UK, Ireland and France governments, is currently permitted.
Further questions and answers regarding facemasks:
When does the new face mask rule come into force on ferries to Britain, Ireland and Holland?
Face coverings will be required to be worn by all passengers from 15 June.
If you are travelling on an overnight sailing departing on 14 June and arriving on the 15 June , you will be required to wear a face mask from the time of your departure.
Why are Stena Line implementing mandatory face coverings?
Based on government advice, we have added this requirement to our already extensive COVID-19 safety measures which are intended to safeguard both the health of our passengers and crew and to ensure maximum safety whilst travelling by ferry.
Why are Stena Line making face coverings mandatory when only England requires them to be worn when travelling on public transport?
We would like to apply the same standards of care and safety to all our routes to and from UK, Republic of Ireland, Netherlands and France.
Do I have to wear a mask or will other types of face coverings work?
Passengers do not have to wear medical grade face masks. Homemade coverings or other types of face coverings are fine as long as they cover both mouth and nose e.g. a bandana or scarf.
When will I have to wear a face covering?
Passengers are required to wear a face covering at all times during their journey when they are in communal areas of the ferry, including the external decks and the vehicle decks. The only times face coverings can be removed are when passengers are eating, drinking or smoking in the designated smoking areas.
Face coverings do not need to be worn in private spaces such as private vehicles or whilst in a cabin or suite.
If Stena Line are applying social distancing then why do I have to wear face coverings?
By combining face coverings and social distancing we aim to make ferry travel as safe as possible for our customers.
How will I eat or drink?
Passengers do not need to wear a face covering when eating or drinking as long as social distancing is adhered to. Passengers should put their face covering back on when moving about the restaurant and once they have finished their meal.
What about smoking?
Stena Line vessels have designated smoking areas on the external decks of the ship. Passengers will not be required to wear face coverings when smoking in these areas. However, face masks must be worn when walking to and from designated smoking areas.
Who is exempt from wearing masks?
Children under the age of three and individuals with a breathing condition, illness or disability that prevents or hinders them from wearing a face covering are exempt from this requirement.
How long will this requirement be in place?
The requirement to wear face coverings will remain in place until further notice and will be reviewed as Government advice relating to the wearing of masks changes.
Can we take the face covering off at all?
To comply with this safety requirement, passengers are requested to wear face coverings for the entire length of their journey until they have disembarked the vessel and left Stena Line premises.
Is there a link to the UK government guidance?
Yes, HERE.
This is a UK rule, will I have to wear a face covering when embarking in other countries e.g. Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands?
The wearing of face masks whilst travelling through our ports and on our ships is a Stena Line policy as well as a requirement of the UK Government. It applies to all our routes on the Irish Sea and North Sea. If passengers board our vessels in Ireland or the Netherlands then they will need to wear a face covering.
Do face coverings need to be worn in the Terminal?
Yes, passengers need to wear them whenever they are in a Stena Line building or ferry.
Do face coverings need to be worn on a Stena Line bus?
Yes everyone needs to wear a face covering whilst onboard any transfer bus to and from the ferry.
Do face coverings need to be worn on the walkway to the ferry?
Yes face coverings have to be worn whilst walking to and from the ferry.
