PRM Ship - Agency for Passenger Rights

What rights do people with disabilities or reduced mobility have when traveling by boat?

In principle, there is an obligation to provide transportation: shipping companies must transport people with disabilities or reduced mobility (PRM) at no extra charge.

Carriage may only be refused by the company in exceptional cases, for example if

would contradict applicable safety regulations or
is not possible for technical reasons. For example, due to the design of the ship or the port infrastructure.

However, in the event of refusal of transportation, the company must endeavor to offer an acceptable alternative form of transportation.

The presence of an accompanying person is mandatory for some trips.

The company must also provide information about the specific reasons for refusing transportation or the mandatory presence of an accompanying person.

The legal bases are Art. 7 and 8 of Regulation (EU) 1177/2010.

Can assistance in the terminal and on the ship cost anything?

Free assistance must be offered at the port or terminal. These include :

transportation to/from the ship
onboarding and offboarding
the acceptance and transportation of baggage
Support with security and customs checks
The allocation of seats must be based on the needs of people with disabilities or reduced mobility or their accompanying person
Various assistance with the use of toilets and other ship facilities

The legal basis is Art. 10 in conjunction with Annex II and III of Regulation (EU) 1177/2010.

Can mobility aids, accompanying persons or assistance dogs be transported on the ship?

Transportation of mobility aids or assistance dogs

In particular, shipping companies are obliged to carry necessary medical equipment and mobility aids, including electric wheelchairs. They must also carry recognized assistance dogs, subject to national regulations.

The legal basis is Art. 10 in conjunction with Annex III of Regulation (EU) 1177/2010.

Transportation of accompanying persons

A person accompanying a passenger with a disability or reduced mobility must be assigned an adjacent seat if possible. In addition, this person must be permitted, upon request, to provide the necessary assistance in the port or terminal and during onboarding and offboarding.

The transportation of the accompanying person is free of charge.

The legal bases are Art. 8 and 10 in conjunction with Annex II and III of Regulation (EU) 1177/2010.

Do I have to register for assistance?

To enable the companies to make preparations, passengers must register the assistance they require at least 48 hours before departure and arrive at the port or terminal at the specified time.

Even if no registration is made, the companies are obliged to provide the best possible support.

The apf recommends passengers

registering the required assistance as early as possible ,
arrive at the agreed meeting point in good time,
notification if there are specific requirements regarding accommodation, seating or the transportation of medical equipment.

The legal basis is Art. 11 of Regulation (EU) 1177/2010.

What are those affected entitled to if the mobility aid is damaged or lost?

In the event of damage to or loss of wheelchairs or other mobility aids by port, terminal or shipping company personnel, the respective company is liable for the replacement value or repair costs.

This is subject to fault or neglect on the part of the carrier or the terminal operator. The company must provide a temporary replacement as soon as possible, if this is possible.

The legal basis is Art. 15 of Regulation (EU) 1177/2010.

Where can those affected turn when it comes to discrimination?

The apf recommends contacting the Ministry of Social Affairs Service(www.sozialministeriumservice.at) in cases involving possible discrimination within the meaning of the Federal Disability Equality Act.

An arbitration board has been set up there, which must be called upon as a preliminary stage to any court proceedings.