Select a region
Alderney Ferries now has the paperwork needed to operate a passenger service to the island with its new vessel Dart Fisher.
Delays to issuing the licence were the subject of questions in the Alderney States in the middle of October, while the company was left in the awkward position of not knowing when it could take bookings.
Under Alderney law, a written application for a boat licence must be made in writing and a report from the Harbour Master submitted to the States before a licence can be granted.
The General Services Committee considered that report yesterday and granted the licence.
"The Harbour Authority has provided full guidance and assistance to Alderney Ferry Services on the practical operation of the vessel within Braye Harbour," a spokesperson said.
"This includes recommended mooring options in various wind and weather conditions and the most suitable areas, methods and restrictions to ensure the safe embarking or disembarking of passengers.
"GSC was told Dart Fisher will depart Braye Harbour to seek refuge elsewhere when strong or severe weather is forecast.
"The ferry's size has also placed it within the scope of the Alderney Pilotage Ordinance 1988 which applies to commercial vessels exceeding 60 gross tonnes. Under this ordinance, Masters must undertake an examination to demonstrate sufficient levels of local navigational knowledge and boat handling prowess to obtain a vessel-specific Pilotage Exemption Certificate."
On Tuesday, Alderney Ferries made its 2025 schedule available to book, running from 28 March until early October.
At the time, it said the 2024 season would not be released: "unfortunately not knowing about our licence for Dart Fisher has left us in an incredibly awkward position on releasing a schedule as we will find it very difficult to get enough passengers now to warrant running plus we still don't know if we will even get a licence! So thank you residents of Alderney, Guernsey and afar your support has been amazing as always."
Guernsey had already licensed Dart Fisher.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.