Following our transport challenge report in 2023, the Young Islanders Network (YIN) heard from young people that they often feel unsafe due to adult behaviour whilst travelling on ferries. This feeling applies to both mainland Scotland and inter-island ferries.
For young islanders, ferry travel is a need rather than a choice; it is a lifeline. Young people who live on an island depend on transport, in this case ferries, for education, employment access to health services and socialising.
This report from the Young Islanders Network shows that young people who depend on ferries do not feel safe. This affects their communities and their sense of belonging to island communities.
This survey report offers an overview of what makes young islanders feel unsafe aboard ferries and offers real-life solutions:
They are not demanding extreme steps. They demand increased presence from staff, clearer guidelines on safeguarding, improved sleeping facilities and increased alcohol policies. They also demand concerns, especially concerns coming from young people, be taken seriously.
The Young Islanders Network believes that the ferry safety issue has to be dealt with from a safeguarding perspective and not from a purely operational focus. The implementation of a Ferry Safety Panel with youth representation and consistent safety briefing messages would be a strong commitment to listening and heeding the voices of island communities.
Read the report: