Word Maritime Day highlights the work of Wightlink crews

From responding to medical incidents and assisting passengers in difficulty to supporting emergencies in the Solent, Wightlink crews regularly deal with situations beyond the routine operation of ferry services.

World Maritime Day (24 September) provides an opportunity to recognise the skills, training and teamwork required when the unexpected happens, as well as the role ferry crews play in keeping the Isle of Wight connected every day.

Thousands of people rely on ferry services each day to get to work, attend appointments, visit friends and family, enjoy holidays or simply get home. Behind every sailing is a team trained and prepared to respond when things do not go to plan.

In recent months, Wightlink crews have supported customers in a wide range of situations, from assisting motorists whose vehicles have broken down onboard and responding to medical incidents to rescuing a passenger who had gone overboard and supporting other emergencies in the Solent.

While these situations are thankfully rare, responding to them can require crews to draw on their training and experience, work quickly under pressure and coordinate closely with colleagues both onboard and ashore, as well as the emergency services when required.

Wightlink Chief Executive, Katy Taylor said: “World Maritime Day is a chance to recognise and thank the people who keep our industry moving. Behind every sailing are colleagues using their skills, experience and professionalism to deliver safe, reliable and efficient services for our customers. Whether they’re working on board our ships, in our ports or behind the scenes, our people play a vital role in keeping the Isle of Wight connected. I’m incredibly proud of the dedication, teamwork and commitment they show every day.

“What our customers see is a ferry arriving and departing port, but there are a lot of people working together behind the scenes to make every sailing happen. Whether they’re on board our ships, working in our ports or supporting operations ashore, our colleagues play an important part in keeping services running safely and reliably every day.”

Every sailing brings together people with different roles and responsibilities. Bridge teams navigate the route, engineers monitor and maintain the ferry’s systems, deck teams manage vehicle movements and passenger services colleagues look after customers. Behind them are shore-based teams supporting everything from maintenance and training to operational planning and emergency preparedness.

It means that while getting passengers and vehicles safely between the Island and mainland is at the heart of Wightlink’s operations, its crews also need to be ready to deal with the unexpected.