Ferry ID checks could cut crime, passengers tell survey
BBCA majority of ferry passengers travelling between the Isle of Man and the UK say the introduction of compulsory identification checks could cut crime but could also cause delays, the results of a survey suggest.
The Isle of Man government launched a consultation on the principles and scope of the proposal for the ferries - operated by the government-owned Isle of Man Steam Packet Company - in April.
Some 1,419 people responded, with 77% agreeing it could help reduce organised crime.
But challenges identified included delays and queueing, causing congestion at peak times, and the impact on vulnerable groups such as elderly, disabled and cognitively impaired people.
Other issues identified include the potential for inconsistency in staff identifying valid documents and potential delays affecting urgent care journeys.
The issue dates back more than a decade on the island after a consultation in 2015 saw 58% of respondents support ID checks.
The government recently confirmed plans for a dedicated border agency to be established to prevent criminal exploitation and abuse of the Isle of Man's immigration system.
Other findings
More than half of those who answered the question – 53% - said they believed no exemptions should be required.
At 88%, there was strong support for passports and driving licences to be considered a valid form of ID, with other government-issued photo IDs backed by 77%.
However, the use of student cards, bus passes or healthcare photo cards were supported by less than half of respondents.
What are the current rules?
Although not a legal requirement when moving within the Common Travel Area (CTA) – which includes the UK, Ireland and crown dependencies of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey – airline carriers and some regional ferry operators do ask for some sort of photographic identification.
ID is not generally asked for on UK domestic ferry travel – including between the Isle of Wight and other English ports, or within the Scottish Isles – but several carriers require it for passengers travelling between jurisdictions within the CTA.
That includes journeys between UK ports and the Channel Islands or Ireland - and those without ID can be refused travel.
However, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company does not automatically require passengers to show ID on its routes from Douglas to Liverpool, Heysham and Larne.
What would the change be?
It would require all passengers travelling on services operated by the government-owned Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to carry identification with verification checks carried out during check-in.
It forms part of the government's strategy to increase the island's safety and security, particularly at the border, by preventing and intercepting criminal activity.
The Department of Home Affairs said it would use the responses to "inform its conversations" with the ferry company on the next steps.
That would include creating clear guidance on the verification process and acceptable forms of ID.
However, the department said no date had been set for a change to come into force.
Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
