The Ombudsman’s Office has said that its recommendations have been implemented by Gozo Channel in two areas – Measures to address car alarm disturbances on Gozo Channel ferries and safety measures regarding vehicle idling on Gozo Channel ferries.

The Ombudsman’s Office said that following concerns regarding the disruptive effects of car alarms on patients in ambulances or hospital buses on Gozo Channel ferries, the Office of the Ombudsman launched an investigation to address and mitigate these issues.

It explained that the problem came to light during a radio programme on One Radio, where a caller detailed the distress experienced by immobile patients due to the loud alarms while en route to Malta for medical care.

In light of these concerns, the Ombudsman’s Office said that it “committed to a thorough examination of the situation, aiming to identify and enforce practical solutions to ensure the well-being of affected patients during ferry crossings.”

The inquiry involved engaging with Gozo Channel to understand the current practices and explore feasible solutions. The Office said that the investigation revealed that the challenge lies in the nature of car alarms, which cannot always be easily deactivated and are often triggered during rough sea conditions.

The implementation of safety measures include:

Public address system announcements: The Office said that Gozo Channel has “committed to making regular announcements reminding passengers to deactivate their car alarms upon leaving their vehicles.”

Crew assistance: Ferry staff are available to assist passengers in deactivating their car alarms, ensuring that those unfamiliar with the process receive the necessary help.

Signage: New signs are being installed on the garage decks of ferries, clearly instructing passengers to turn off their car alarms. This visual reminder aims to reinforce the message delivered through announcements.

Informational monitors: Monitors at the Cirkewwa and Mgarr marshalling areas will display continuous messages reminding passengers of the importance of deactivating car alarms, enhancing the awareness of this policy.

Gozo Channel also issued a statement to inform the public about this new initiative, emphasising the importance of deactivating car alarms to enhance the comfort of all passengers, especially those in medical transit.

The Office of the Ombudsman acknowledged the steps taken by Gozo Channel in response to its recommendations to address the issue of car alarm disturbances on ferries.

It said that “these measures aim to create a more tranquil and comfortable environment for all passengers, focusing on enhancing the travel experience for patients in medical transit. The implementation of these initiatives demonstrates a commitment to passenger welfare and operational improvement, ensuring a positive impact on the ferry service experience.”With regards to safety measures regarding vehicle idling on Gozo Channel ferries, the Office explained that in August 2023, a pressing concern was brought to light regarding the health risks associated with vehicle idling on Gozo ferries.

This issue, initially highlighted by a concerned passenger, prompted an investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman, leading to a set of recommendations aimed at “enhancing passenger safety and ensuring compliance with established regulations.”

In response to concerns raised about vehicle idling on Gozo ferries, the Office of the Ombudsman said that steps have been taken to enhance safety and ensure adherence to established regulations.

Following an investigation and subsequent recommendations by the Office of the Ombudsman, it said that Gozo Channel has implemented a series of measures aimed at mitigating the health risks associated with this issue.

Implementation of safety measures:

No access to enclosed decks: In alignment with Gozo Channel’s Shipboard Operating Procedures, passengers are now prohibited from accessing enclosed decks while the vessel is in motion.

The Office said that “this policy is enforced by the vessel’s master or a designated officer, ensuring that all passengers are aware of and comply with this rule.”

Crew responsibilities: The crew members are tasked with ensuring that no passengers remain in their vehicles once the vessel is ready to depart. This involves a thorough check of the vehicle deck and directing passengers to the upper decks.

The Office noted that compliance is further ensured through PA system announcements informing passengers of the necessity to vacate the car deck.

Informational monitors at marshalling areas: Monitors are being installed at Cirkewwa and Mgarr to improve communication and awareness. The Office said that these displays will continuously remind passengers of the policy against remaining in their vehicles and the requirement to turn off car alarms during the crossing.

Public awareness campaign: A statement was issued to inform the public about the dangers of staying in the vehicle deck during crossings, emphasising the potential risks in emergency situations, such as a vehicle fire.

The Office of the Ombudsman concluded by saying that it welcomes the implementation of these recommendations, “which is a critical step in ensuring a safer travel environment for all passengers and crew aboard the Gozo ferries.”

Photos: Office of the Ombudsman

Permalink: Gozo Channel implements recommendations made by the Ombudsman