To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Maritime and Coastguard Agency was aware that in September 2008 the ferry MV CANNA operated by the Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd was operating without a valid passenger carrying certificate; and, if so, what action they took. [HL3986]

On 3 October 2008, whilst completing the annual survey of the MV CANNA, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) became aware that the vessel had operated without a valid passenger certificate between 1 and 11 September 2008. The previous survey was carried out correctly, and had the MCA issued the correct paperwork, the passenger certificate would have been valid for a full year through to 18 September 2008.

The MCA has audited the operating company under the International Safety Management Code arrangements. During that audit the MCA reminded Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd of its responsibilities that not only the surveys are carried out on time, which it did, but to ensure that the paperwork is correct.