Dangerous goods (ADR)

Dangerous and restricted goods (ADR)

You must declare any dangerous goods you intend to carry on a Wightlink ferry at least 24 hours in advance by emailing [email protected], attaching your completed Dangerous Goods Declaration Form.

Due to a change in freight regulations, we have had to restrict the number of customers who are able to travel on some services. All foot passengers must book in advance on these sailings. Read our travel updates for more information.

We can carry a large variety of goods on board our vehicle ferries but when it comes to hazardous and dangerous cargo, were limited by regulations.  

If you’re planning on bringing any dangerous goods and marine pollutants onto one of our sailings, it’s a legal requirement for you to advise us of what’s being presented for shipment. They need to be declared at least 24 hours in advance. 

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IDMG) Code and guidelines issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) dictate what we can and can’t accept on board. 

Please note, no dangerous goods can be carried on our FastCat catamarans or by foot passengers on our car ferries.

How to declare your dangerous goods

We have the right to refuse you travel if you do not correctly fill in the Dangerous Goods Declaration Form or fail to do so at least 24 hours before your preferred sailing time.

Need to speak to someone about your Dangerous Goods?

If you have an enquiry about your Dangerous Goods shipment and want to speak to us over phone, you can call our Business Hub team on 023 9285 5260.

Sales team operating hours

Monday – Friday: 7:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 9:00 – 13:00
Sunday: 9:00 – 12:00

What are dangerous goods?

Examples of what would be considered dangerous goods can be found below. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list:

  • Explosive substances

  • Gases

  • Flammable substances

  • Toxic substances

  • Radioactive material

  • Marine pollutants

What you can bring without declaring

If certain conditions are met, such as stowage and quantity limits, some hazardous cargo can be allowed, such as:

  • Flammable gas for recreational purposes

    Not more than 47 kg

  • Spare fuel in approved containers

    Not more than 5 litres

  • Guns and ammunition for sporting purposes (these don’t require prior declaration but must be declared and handed into staff on arrival, who will store them on the bridge of the ferry)

  • Fireworks for personal use

    Total weight of package not more than 5 kg

  • Medical oxygen for personal use (limits apply)

The following information is required from the Shipper/Forwarder (or his agent) in order to complete a Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants Declaration:  

a. Company name and address
b. Time and date of sailing for which a reservation is held
c. Vehicle make and type together with registration number
d. United Nations (UN) number
e. The proper shipping names, not Trade Names and technical names of constituents (if applicable)
f. I.M.O. Class and Division, and Subsidiary Risk (if applicable)
g. Marine Pollutant category (if applicable)
h. Packaging Group
i. Flash Point (if 61ºC or below)
j. Details of quantities to be shipped (For Explosives – Net explosive contents – NEC/NEQ)
k. Any other relevant details The Shipper/Forwarder (or his agent) must sign the Declaration to confirm all information provided is correct. In addition,the person responsible for the packing of the container/vehicle must sign the Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate contained on the above declaration.