The P&O European Ferries vessel, Pride of Rathlin, was adjudged the worst-performing ferry in a safety survey released yesterday.
The Northern Ireland ferry, which sails between Larne in Co Antrim and Scotland's Cairnryan port, ranked bottom of a list of 26 European ferries surveyed by motoring organisations such as the AA.
An independent tester from Germany cited a number of areas of concern, including "clogged-up sprinkler nozzles, insufficient emergency information, poor signposting of rescue facilities, unsafe access routes for passengers, and a lack of stability measures, evacuation slides and fast rescue boats".
The tester, who inspected the ship on March 18th, was also concerned that "the loading deck was accessible to passengers during the crossing and that lorry drivers slept in their vehicles".
A spokesman for P&O in Larne said the 28-year-old ferry was showing signs of wear and tear and was due to be replaced by August next. However, he said there was no question of the boat not being safe.
"With P&O, safety is paramount, and all our vessels comply with national and international regulations concerning safety at sea. They are inspected regularly by statutory authorities and staff, and we have a very good safety record on the route," he said.
Passenger access to vehicle decks during crossings was not permitted by the ferry company, he said. "There could be an occasion where someone gets in, but they would be doing so at their own risk and we would make them aware of that."
Pride of Rathlin was one of just four ferries to receive a "poor" ranking. The other three were Sea France's Monet, which sails between Dover and Calais; Toremar's Oglasa, which operates in Italy; and the P&O Portsmouth ship, Pride of Hampshire, which sails to Cherbourg.
Only one other ferry from Northern Ireland was covered by the survey: Stena Line's Stena Galloway, which sails between Belfast and Stranraer. This ship finished 16th on the list, with a ranking of "acceptable".
No ferries servicing routes to the Republic were surveyed.
