The EU will force carriers to compensate passengers on boat

I think a very important step, but we have to see how it develops and its subsequent implementation in the EU, and especially the interpretation put by the shipping of this regulation, for sure something will acongiendose the issue of flags of convenience where are registered most shipping

The full European Parliament finally approved a regulation that, from 2012, will force carriers to compensate passengers for delays ship more than one and a half. In addition, carriers and terminal operators should offer free assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility when boarding and disembarking.

The new rules, which have been agreed with the governments of the twenty-seven, shall apply to all vessels licensed to carry more than 12 passengers, except excursion vessels, tourist and historical and ships with a crew of up to three people or whose service is generally limited to travel a distance less than 500 meters.

Cruise ships also fall within the scope of regulation. However, excluded from many provisions, such as those regulating alternative transportation and reimbursement for delays of over an hour and a half or compensation for the ticket price for late arrival. The EU countries have until early 2012 to adapt their national laws the new regulation.

In case of delays of over an hour and a half on the time of departure, the carrier will have to choose between offering an alternative route under comparable transport free of charge or refund the ticket price unless the company can prove that the delay is due to dangerous weather conditions that make navigation or other extraordinary circumstances.

In the event of cancellation or delay in departure where a stay of one or more nights, the carrier shall bear the cost of accommodation, which is 80 euros maximum per passenger and night to three nights.

Passengers may request the carrier compensation when delays in the arrival at destination. The minimum level of compensation is 25% of the ticket price for delays of at least: one hour for travel scheduled four-hour, two hours for travel between four and eight hours, three hours for travel between eight and 24 hours and six hours in cases of travel over 24 hours.

If the delay is more than twice the time indicated in the above cases, the compensation shall correspond to half of the ticket price.

Companies may not refuse boarding to any passenger for reasons of health, disability or reduced mobility. Also, reservations and tickets are offered to persons with disabilities or reduced mobility at no additional cost under the same conditions as other passengers.

On the other hand, carriers and terminal operators should offer free assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility when boarding and disembarking. To do this, the company must be notified at least 48 hours before the assistance is required and the passenger will be presented one hour before departure, unless the carrier agrees to a shorter period.

Transport companies will be responsible for loss or damage to mobility equipment used by a disabled person (such as wheelchairs or crutches), and will have to pay the value of a team of the same characteristics or cost of repair. Also take steps to quickly provide temporary replacement equipment equivalent to the original.

On the other hand, carriers have to provide passengers with adequate information all the way in accessible formats for all, paying particular attention to the needs of people with disabilities or reduced mobility. Companies and port authorities make every effort to ensure that information on passenger rights is available on board ships in ports and port terminals.

Source: Europa-Press