The Greek Shipping Ministry has issued a circular in order to enhance ferry traveling experience of passengers with disabilities.
Shipping Minister Fotis Kouvelis has signed the circular following a recent meeting with the Panhellenic Association of Paraplegics that was held to discuss issues concerning accessibility of persons with disabilities while travelling by ferry.
The circular aims at regulating issues like smooth boarding on the ferry, transmission of emergency signals or announcements and additional features.
Image: Port of Piraeus (Athens, Greece)
As of May 1, 2019 passenger ships should offer onboard:
- An area specially designed for passengers with special needs.
- Appropriate equipment for accessibility of disabled in ships (suitable lifts, ramps).
- Designated space for wheelchair users.
- Special signs for disabled in public areas.
- Special marking in the area that is used for vehicle storage for proper access of disabled passengers from the vessel’s entrance to the lifts.
- Special system for transmission of announcements for passengers with disabilities.
- Appropriately trained crew to assist persons with special needs.