Conditions of Carriage

All passenger, luggage, vehicles and goods carried by NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd, are subject to the Company’s Conditions of Carriage as published, exhibited and available at the Company’s offices, on board its vessels and on the internet at www.northlinkferries.co.uk.

Customers are requested to familiarise themselves with the full Conditions of Carriage and the following principal conditions which may be relevant to group tour business:

a) Valid Booking – All passengers must be in possession of a valid booking at the time of travel.
b) Latest Check-in Time – On all services, passengers and vehicle drivers must be in possession of boarding cards and shall be required to check in no later than the times for checking in published by the Company from time to time in respect of each route. Late checking in may lead to the passenger and/or vehicle being refused carriage.
c) Reservations Arrangements
1. The Company reserves the right to charge an administration fee prior to changing the details of any reservation.
2. Where a vehicle is booked for a return journey and fails to show for the outward sailing, the booking in respect of the return sailing shall be cancelled. Only one reservation per vehicle per direction per day shall be accepted.
d) Disabled Passengers – Certain vessels have facilities for disabled passengers, who are requested to make known any special needs at the time of booking and when checking in at terminals. Any discounts which the Company may from time to time allow in respect of the carriage of cars conveying disabled persons will only be given on presentation of such documentation as the Company, acting reasonably, may require.
e) Commercial Vehicles and Coaches – All commercial vehicles presented for shipment must be fitted with lashing points in compliance with the Ro-Ro Ships – Storage and Securing of Vehicles – Code of Practice (a copy of which shall be available on request from any of the Company’s offices). Vehicles not complying with such Code of Practice may be refused shipment.
f) Safety on Board – Passengers are requested to pay attention to safety announcements and/or notices. Passengers shall not be allowed on the vehicle decks while vessels are at sea. Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks and in all enclosed spaces on board.
g) Dangerous Goods and Substances – (including flammable substances such as petrol, L.P.G etc) are only carried by prior arrangement and in accordance with strict Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulations and must be declared at least 24 hours in advance to the port of departure.
h) Pier Dues – All passenger and vehicle fares include dues raised by various pier and harbour authorities.
i) Accompanied Dogs – Accompanied dogs, other than assistance dogs, shall not be allowed in cabins or public rooms on board vessels and should travel in the kennels provided on board. It may be possible on short journeys to leave dogs or other small animals in vehicles, but passengers shall not be allowed unaccompanied on car decks while vessels are at sea.
j) Vehicle Lengths and Rates – Details in respect of vehicle lengths and rates shall be available on request from any of the Company’s offices.
k) Cost and validity of bookings and other booking conditions:
1. Refunds – Subject to such administration charge as may be prescribed from time to time by the Company, consideration shall be given to applications for refunds in respect of unused bookings which are notified to the Company’s head office within one month after the expiry of the validity of such bookings. If a customer wishes to cancel a booking, prior to sailing the following charges will apply:
• 20% of total booking value if cancelled six weeks or less prior to sailing
• 50% of total booking value if cancelled two weeks or less prior to sailing
• 100% upon failure to embark (cancellation on day of departure)
2. Receipts – Customers should note that receipts will only be issued at the time of booking confirmation.
l) Disrupted Sailing: Passengers are requested to note that NorthLink will accept no liability for consequential losses arising from disruptions to sailing schedules which are beyond our control. All passengers are advised to carry appropriate travel insurance.

Terms of Business

NorthLink requests that customers supply sales figures for group bookings 8 weeks prior to scheduled departure. At this time invoices will be raised. The due date for payment will be in accordance with the customer’s commercial account agreement. Normal trading terms require payment within 14 days of invoice. Cancellation terms are set out above. Customers are requested to note deadlines given for application of charges.