Consultation on the implementation of EU Regulation(EC) 392/2009 on the liability of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of accidents and the UK’s ratification of the Protocol of 2002 to the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea, 1974

This consultation, published by the UK Department for Transport on 16 August 2012, sought views on the UK’s draft Statutory Instrument that transposes Regulation (EC) 392/2009. The Regulation gives effect, within the EU, to the 2002 Protocol to the Athens Convention to create parity for the passenger shipping industry and help ensure that UK citizens have access to the same levels of compensation when travelling between two different EU Member States. Furthermore, it increases the limits of liabilities for death or personal injuries to passengers being carried by sea; requires carriers to have compulsory insurance, and provides claimants with the right of taking direct action against the insurers. The intended effect is to provide an enhanced framework of compensation in the event of death or personal injury to a passenger, or the loss or damage to luggage when travelling on a sea journey. The Regulation also brings into scope certain domestic passenger services. Deadline for responses: 28 September 2012.