NorthLink Ferries is to introduce a system of photographic identification for all passengers on its fleet of ferries operating between the Northern Isles and the mainland.

The photo ID policy will take effect from May 1 and will bring NorthLink into line with the photo ID policies being operated by other major public transport providers.

NorthLink Chief Executive Bill Davidson said:
 “There is an increasing need for us to do all that we can to ensure that passengers are, indeed, who they say they are.  Of top priority is the growing importance of measures to ensure the safety and security of the passengers, crew and vessels.  The ability to identify passengers boarding our vessels is a key part of our enhanced awareness and approach to security issues.”

The following types of ID will be eligible under the new scheme:

• Passport
• Photographic driving licence
• National concession scheme card
• Young persons’ concession scheme card
• Photo bank cards
• National ID/Smart ID cards
• Student photo ID or workplace photo ID issued by well known employers and organisations

Mr Davidson added: “Although the new policy will not be introduced until May, it does represent a fairly major change for islanders in particular and we felt that we should provide this early notice of its introduction. We would advise anyone with concerns or requiring clarification as to what type of photographic identification will be acceptable to contact our customer service staff.”

Details of the new policy have been provided in advance to local MSPs and to local authority members and officers.  Group tour operators will also be informed that passengers will be asked to provide ID upon embarkation.

For more information, please visit our Frequestly Asked Questions page about Photographic ID at check-in