DFDS Seaways helps coach industry with useful tips on how to minimise transit times through new port checks
With the introduction of the Exit Checks at all UK departure ports this week (April 8), ferry operator DFDS Seaways has provided guidance to assist coach operators and drivers.
As reported in CBW1181, the UK Government has implemented the checks to confirm, as far as is practicable, that an individual has left the UK. This is achieved by verifying the passengers’ identity, collecting relevant information and transmitting the data to the Home Office.
Stuart Duddy, Head of Coach Sales and Contracts at DFDS Seaways told CBW: “When travelling with DFDS Seaways from Dover, we would encourage coach operators to allow a little extra time to complete the new formalities. Coaches should arrive at our check-in booths no later than one-hour prior to departure time or 90 minutes when travelling on peak departures.
“An exemption for organised school groups has been agreed. Organised school groups are defined as being those where students are all aged 16 years and under and are travelling under the direction and care of one or more readily identifiable teacher or other responsible adult. This exemption will be facilitated by a manual declaration system. If a coach booking qualifies for this exemption, a marker signalling it as being an organised school group that meets the relevant criteria should be displayed. Such coaches will normally be allowed to proceed without exit checks being conducted on those aboard. However, random assurance checks may be applied.
“We recommend that coach drivers should place a marker in the coach windscreen identifying their status.”
Coaches that fall into one of five categories and markers, colour coded as per the list below, should be displayed:
+ Organised school groups: Blue rectangle.
+ Closed tours and groups carrying EEA nationals (Eurotunnel and Dover only): Yellow square or rectangle with a C within.
+ Closed tours and groups carrying non-EEA nationals who are subject to immigration control (Eurotunnel and Dover only): Red square or rectangle with a C within.
+ Scheduled coaches carrying only EEA nationals (Eurotunnel and Dover only): Yellow square or rectangle with an S within.
+ Scheduled coaches carrying non-EEA nationals who are subject to immigration control (Eurotunnel and Dover only): Red square or rectangle with an S within.
Stuart added: “In the absence of any marker, coaches will instead be subject to an additional stop to declare whether or not they are carrying any individuals subject to immigration control.
“It is essential that a more detailed passenger manifest is accurately completed.
This new format manifest for the short sea routes from Dover requires the passengers’ full name, nationality, passport or identity document number, gender and date of birth. For the time being, the manifest can be submitted at check-in. Complying with all this will ensure that transit time through Dover is kept to a minimum.”
As for the North Sea, Stuart said: “For coach groups departing from Newcastle (North Shields) to Amsterdam slightly different arrangements will be in place. Groups are encouraged to check-in between 1400 and 1500hrs when a dedicated coach check-in desk will be open. A revised passenger manifest for the Newcastle-Amsterdam route is available on request.”
INFO
Visit DFDS’ website at www.dfds.co.uk.
