Concerns that the States of Alderney is dragging its feet on the issuing of a passenger licence for Alderney Ferry Services’s new vessel Dart Fisher have been strenuously denied.
The States of Alderney meeting on October 16th was told that the Harbour Authority has provided full guidance and assistance to Alderney Ferry Services (AFS) on the practical and safe operation of the vessel.
The 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.
The following statement was given at the States meeting: “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 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.”
