Alderney States defends slow progress on issuing passenger licence for new ferry

Thursday 17 October 2024

Alderney Ferry Service is having to wait until a committee meeting next month to get permission to use its new vessel to take passengers to the island.

The company says it already has the go ahead from Guernsey, but cannot take bookings until all the paperwork is in place.

In the meantime it has announced that "due to the number of delays" its current vessel, Causeway Explorer, is now being sold.

"We always knew expanding to all year round vessel would be the biggest gamble we would take but our commitment to our island is what we will always put first," the company said.

"We really don't want to see her sell but we really need to get Dart Fisher working asap."

The delays were the subject of questions from Alex Snowden at the Alderney States on Wednesday.

This morning, the States of Alderney pushed out a statement strenuously denying that it was dragging its feet on issuing a passenger licence for AFS' Dart Fisher, which held berthing trails in Guernsey on 8 October.

"The perception has been created that the States of Alderney is one of the reasons for the delay to the Dart Fisher being a licenced vessel and also being responsible for the need to put [AFS vessel] Causeway Explorer up for sale," the Alderney States meeting heard.

"The States have been supportive of AFS through provision of subsidies, extending the cost cap of those subsidies to provide additional rotations for our community, extending the tourism season into the shoulder months, and assisting in resolving the challenges that have been posed by the Dart Fisher's arrival in Alderney.

"Since the announcement of the purchase of the vessel, the Harbour Authority has liaised closely with AFS to discuss practical operational matters and ensure safe operations. Therefore, to suggest the States have been the cause of delay to licencing and suggested as a reason for the sale of Causeway Explorer is unfounded."

The Alderney States spokesperson said that its Harbour Authority has assessed options for mooring the vessel in various wind and weather conditions and the most suitable areas and methods for the safe embarking or disembarking of passengers.

"AFS been made aware of the legislative and operational frameworks which the States of Alderney expects all locally licenced commercial vessels to comply with.

"To date, the process has included berthing trials for the Dart Fisher and the training and examination of four candidates put forward by AFS to serve as Master of the vessel. One of those candidates was successful in obtaining a pilotage licence and the reassessment of the remaining three can take place in due course.

"Following the pilotage examinations, the Harbour Master confirmed the results with AFS and reiterated the requirement to apply for a passenger licence.

"These licences are issued by the General Services Committee (GSC) under section 3 of The Licencing of Passenger Boats (Alderney) 1954 Ordinance.

"The Chief Clerk has now received an application and a report will be brought to GSC for determination at its meeting on November 1st. The outcome will be communicated to AFS immediately."