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Conditions of Carriage

These Conditions of Carriage must be read in conjunction with the Boarding Conditions, which set out operational rules that passengers are required to familiarise themselves with and comply with in terms of these Conditions of Carriage.

Reference to 'Us', 'We', the 'Company' shall mean Ragusa Xpress Limited (C 82662).

1. Acceptance of Terms

The purchase of this ticket implies the acceptance by the passengers of all the following rules and conditions.

2. Price

The price of the ticket includes the sea journey and charges. The Company reserves the right to introduce a fuel surcharge from time to time without prior notice. The charge does not cover any food / drinks offered for sale onboard.

3. Validity

Tickets are only valid for the named passenger or vehicle and the specified voyage(s) All tickets are valid for one year from the date of issue subject to these conditions of carriage herein.

4. Passengers

Passengers must ensure they are medically fit for travel and are aware that sea conditions may change. Any known medical condition should be disclosed to Company staff before departure. The vessel's Master may refuse boarding in the interest of passenger safety.

Travel documents must be valid, with only passports and ID cards accepted. Residence cards and driving licenses are not valid for travel purposes. Children under 18 must carry appropriate authorization forms as required by their country of issuance if not travelling with both parents.

The Master of the vessel may, at his discretion and in the interest of the passenger, refuse boarding. It is the passenger's responsibility to carefully check the booking details / travel documents and inform the Company or travel agent should any inaccuracies be found. Passengers with special needs are to advise the Company of any requirements when effecting a reservation. Passengers are to make sure that they are in possession of all necessary (valid) documents prior travelling.

Accompanied minors under 18 years of age in possession of Maltese ID cards are required to have a designated authorization form signed by both parents and countersigned by police unless otherwise traveling with both parents or in possession of a valid passport. Accompanied minors under 14 years of age in possession of Italian ID cards and/or Italian Passports are required to have a designated authorization form signed by both parents and countersigned by the 'Questura' unless otherwise traveling with both parents or the name of the accompanying parent is listed on the minor's document. Passengers are to be seated according to the assigned places as per tickets or in areas of the vessel as indicated by the crew. Parents travelling with children must ensure that their children are supervised and remain seated throughout the voyage.

Passengers are liable for damage caused by negligence or misconduct.

5. Unaccompanied Minors Policy

Children 12 years of age or under cannot travel unaccompanied. Parents/guardians are kindly asked to fill the Unaccompanied Minors Travelling form, for unaccompanied minors aged 13 to under 17 years of age.

The Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for Italian nationals traveling alone who are aged 7 and above but have not yet turned 14. For passengers aged 14 and over, the service is optional. Additionally, Italian passport holders under the age of 14 traveling unaccompanied must, apart from complying with the Ragusa Xpress Unaccompanied Minor policy, also obtain a Dichiarazione di Accompagnamento (Statement of Accompaniment). This document must be signed by both parents or legal guardians and authorized by the Italian police prior to departure.

To complete the form, visit: https://passaportonline.poliziadistato.it/

The form has to reach us at least 48 hours prior to departure.

6. Embarkation

Passengers should, before departure, ensure that no variations have taken place concerning the vessel's time and date of sailing indicated on the ticket. It is recommended that passengers check our website and social media channels for any trip updates before each voyage departs. Passengers must be present for embarkation at least 1 hour before departure. Vehicles must arrive 90 minutes prior to departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure; late arrivals may be denied boarding. Passengers are responsible for complying with border formalities. The Company is not responsible in the event that the passenger is not allowed to embark at the point of origin or to disembark at the port of destination due to lack of the necessary documents or non-observance of formalities by the passenger. In such instances the passenger shall compensate the Company for any eventual damages and expenses including the issuance of a return ticket if this is applicable.

7. Baggage

All passenger tickets include baggage. However, to better organize onboard space and ensure smooth embarkation and disembarkation, passengers are requested to follow the guidelines below.

  • Passengers may take to their seats or allotted places maximum two items of hand luggage;
    • a small bag of not more than 5kg that fits under the seat that must not exceed H20cm x W 40cm x L 25cm;
    • a carry-on luggage of not more than 10kg that must not exceed H20cm x L55cm x W40cm.
    • Disclaimer: If no more space is available in the passenger saloons, carry-on luggage will be checked in during boarding.
  • Passengers may also bring a luggage of not more than 30kg that must not exceed H50cm x W40cm x L80cm which must be deposited in the storage place reserved on the vessel as indicated by the vessel's crew.
  • The Company is not responsible for loss of or wilful or accidental damage to luggage. In the interest of safety, the Company may destroy any unaccompanied baggage or luggage left behind after disembarkation.

8. Accompanying Vehicles

It is not permitted for vehicles to be carrying goods other than for personal use. Vehicles found to be carrying goods for re-sale or for any other commercial use will be denied boarding. If Port authorities or Customs find that upon boarding, vehicles are carrying commercial goods; the vehicle and associated driver will not be allowed to board and Ragusa Xpress will not be held liable.

Accompanying vehicles carrying dangerous goods, as defined under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (as amended), will be denied boarding.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles:

  • Electric vehicles must be declared when purchasing tickets. Failure to declare such vehicles may result in refusal of carriage.
  • Electric Vehicles suspected to have a damaged or defective lithium battery installed shall be refused boarding. If an electric vehicle is found damaged but it is unclear if the battery is damaged, the vehicle shall not be accepted for transport.

LPG Vehicles:

  • Vehicles powered by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) must be declared when purchasing tickets. Failure to declare such vehicles will result in refusal of carriage.
  • Motor vehicles powered by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) must have gas storage and associated systems compliant with standards equivalent to the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended. LPG vehicles may be transported in cargo spaces, provided that:
    • The engine ignition is switched off.
    • The gas tank is not completely full, to avoid the risk of spillage.
    • All gas is contained in sealed cylinders with valves closed before boarding.
    • Cylinders and piping must be properly and securely fitted.

Acceptance of any booking remains subject to the applicable legislation and codes, and to authorisation by the competent authorities at the port of loading and/or discharge.

8.1 Vehicle Loading and Safety Requirements

  • Vehicles are loaded and secured in the order determined by the Master of the vessel.
  • All vehicles must be left in first gear (manual) or in 'P' (automatic), with the handbrake fully engaged.
  • Vehicles with trailers will not be allowed.
  • Personal belongings left inside vehicles are at the owner's risk. The Company assumes no liability for damage to vehicles or contents.
  • Any damage to the vessel or third-party property caused by a vehicle is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Compensation must be settled before disembarkation.
  • Any known substantial damages or defects to accompanying vehicles shall be made known to the company and crew prior to loading. Vehicles shall be inspected by the crew prior to loading, any substantial damages or defects to the vehicle may result in refusal of loading.
  • The Master reserves the right, in the interest of safety, to refuse loading of vehicles or cargo that exceed allowable weight/dimensions or pose a hazard.
  • Drivers are responsible for ensuring that all cargo within or on the vehicle (within the 2.20m maximum height limit) is safely secured. Unsafe cargo may lead to refusal of carriage.
  • Refuelling or charging vehicles, including small electric vehicles, shall not be allowed onboard.
  • Passengers and drivers are strictly prohibited from using the electrical points on the car deck during the voyage.
  • Under no circumstance are passengers or pets allowed to stay within their vehicle during the voyage.
  • All lashing or securing materials used during transport must be removed by Company personnel prior to disembarkation.
  • The company and its crew shall not be liable for any damage sustained by vehicles during loading, unloading, or at any time during the voyage.

Vehicle Dimensions and Weight Limits

  • Maximum overall height: 2.20 metres
  • Maximum axle weight: 1.5 tonnes (single wheel axle), 3 tonnes (double wheel axle).
  • Total vehicle weight must not exceed 3 tonnes.

8.2 Prohibited Items and Security Checks

Dangerous goods such as but not limited to; explosives & incendiary substances and devices, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids & other flammable substances, oxidising substances and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosive substances, miscellaneous substances, ammunition, guns, firearms and other devices that discharge projectiles, stunning devices, blunt instruments are unequivocally not allowed.

The Carrier reserves the right to conduct security checks on passengers, luggage, and vehicles prior to boarding, in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The Company fully cooperates with the relevant authorities in prosecuting individuals found in possession of prohibited items.

8.3 Low Underfloor Clearance Vehicles

Vehicles with low underfloor clearance may be at risk of damage when boarding. Drivers will be informed that proceeding is entirely at their own risk. In some cases, boarding may be refused. It is strongly recommended that agents or drivers of such vehicles contact Ragusa Xpress during the booking stage for guidance.

9. Pets

Passengers must declare pets at booking stage and ensure that pets have a valid pet passport together with all the necessary vaccination certificates and all other documents. Upon boarding passengers must also notify vessel's crew that they are carrying pets. Small pets are allowed in leak-proof cages (max 70cm x 51cm x 51.5cm) which are kept beside passenger seats or on the passenger lap. Small pets will be limited to 10 (ten) per trip. Medium to large pets will be limited to 4 (four) per trip and stay only in the designated spaces on the lower deck or upper deck with a leash and muzzle. Pets must not cause disturbance and barking dogs may be relocated to an alternative designated area which may include the outside deck. Leash and muzzle are required all throughout the trip even if just transiting through passenger areas. Pet owners are to ensure that their pets are obedient and do not in any way disturb other passengers. Under no circumstance are pets allowed to stay in accompanying vehicles.

The Company reserves the right to refuse boarding of pets on both the outside decks and garage deck on any given voyage. The owner is to ensure that the pet is fit for travel also keeping in mind the possibility of inclement weather. The Company is not responsible for the wellbeing of the pet and transportation of pets is at owner's risk and responsibility. Service and Guide Dogs are accepted on board with certification from ADI or IGDF, and must wear identifying jacket/harness. The Company must be notified before travel about Service & Guide Dogs, and presented with original documents upon boarding.

When bringing pets to Malta, an appointment must be made with the Agriculture and Fisheries Regulation Division on phone number +356 2292 5216/5172 (for animals arriving from EU) or +356 21653013/0393 (for animals arriving from outside EU) during office hours (Monday to Friday 07:00 - 15:00) or the VSO Veterinary Support Officer on mobile number +356 99170532 (24 hour) or by email petstravel.mesdc@gov.mt advising date and time of arrival, for inspection prior to the release of pet. Any related forms requested, may be accessed from the website for Fish and Farming Regulation and Control on https://agricultureservices.gov.mt/en/vrd/Pages/travelPet.aspx

For further information regarding pet travel from or to Malta, kindly contact the Veterinary Regulation Directorate, Telephone: +356 2292 5216 / 5172 (Mon–Fri 7am–3pm), After hours emergency: +356 9917 0532 and email: petstravel.mesdc@gov.mt.

For further information regarding pet travel to Marina di Ragusa, kindly contact 'Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Ragusa.' Telephone: +39 0932 234958, +39 0932 234951or +39 0932 234953. Email: giorgio.blandino@asp.rg.it, dip.veterinario@asp.rg.it or dipartimento.veterinario@pec.asp.rg.it

10. Refunds

Passengers cancelling are entitled to a refund subject to the following rules;

  • Passengers cancelling up until 24 hours before sailing are entitled to a full refund.
  • Passengers cancelling in less than 24 hours before sailing are entitled to a 50% refund.
  • Passengers not checking in on time for departure or for any reason not embarking are not eligible for refunds, partial or otherwise of the amount paid, but ticket may be rebooked within 24 hours of the original embarkation time unless otherwise determined by the company in exceptional circumstances
  • Coupons are valid only until the expiration date printed on each coupon. If tickets are refunded following the rules stated above, coupons can be reinstated but expiration date cannot be altered.

11. Delay / Changes / Cancellation / Rerouting

The Company reserves the right to change departure and arrival timings, delay, cancel, or reroute the sailing of the vessel without prior notice whether on the outbound or inbound journey if this is required:

  1. for safety or technical reasons;
  2. due to force majeure events;
  3. due to adverse weather;
  4. technical issues;
  5. instructions from authorities; and
  6. any unforeseen circumstances beyond the Company's control.

In the event of cancellations, the Company shall refund the unutilized portion of the ticket but shall in no circumstances whatsoever be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage caused thereby and will not accept any claim to reimburse any supplementary expenses other than those required by Regulation (EU) 1177/2010. For further information, passengers may visit https://mccaa.org.mt/Section/Content?contentId=1212 or send an email to: seapassengerrights.mccaa@mccaa.org.mt or visit The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, Address: Mizzi House, National Road, BLATA L-BAJDA, Malta. Telephone: +356 2395 2000.

12. Data Protection and Personal Data

The person (whether natural or non-natural) making the booking acknowledges that he is solely responsible for making sure that the provision of personal data to us, whether his own or that of another individual, fully complies with applicable Data Protection Laws (including, without limitation, Regulation 2016/679) as may be amended from time to time and that the relevant person with respect to whom the personal data relates has been provided with the necessary information at law regarding the processing of his personal data by us. The person making the booking further agrees that any information notices, consents or other applicable requirements that may be required for the provision of third-party data to us shall be fulfilled solely by him. In this respect, the person making the booking hereby fully indemnifies us and shall render us completely harmless against all costs, damages or liability of whatsoever nature resulting from any claims or litigation (instituted or threatened) by any third party against us as a result of the provision of any third-party personal data to us by him.

You recognise that personal data has been given to us for the purposes of: making a reservation, purchasing a Ticket, obtaining ancillary services, developing and providing services, facilitating immigration and entry procedures, and making available such data to government agencies, in connection with your travel. For these purposes, you authorise us to retain and use such data and to transmit it to our own offices, Authorised Agents, government agencies, other Carriers or the providers of the above-mentioned services. For other information please consult with the Privacy Policy available on https://ragusaxpress.com/privacy-policy

13. Seating

We will endeavour to honour advance seating requests. However, we cannot guarantee any particular seat. We reserve the right to assign or reassign seats at any time, even after boarding of the vessel. This may be necessary for operational, safety or security reasons.

14. Travel Agents' Responsibilities

It is the Travel Agent's responsibility to convey all information in these conditions of carriage and the boarding conditions to the passenger. In the event an Agent fails to do so, the Agent is responsible for any direct or indirect damages incurred by the client. The Travel Agent is also responsible to forward to the client any information that might be issued by Ragusa Xpress from time to time.

15. Law

This contract is governed by Maltese Law and The Maltese Merchant Shipping Act of 1973 shall apply.

16. Fitness to Travel

The Passenger shall only present him/herself for boarding/embarkation if the passenger is fit to travel and if the Passenger's conduct will not impair the safety of the Vessel or inconvenience other Passengers. If it appears to the Company and/or the Master of the vessel that a passenger is:

  1. for any reason whatsoever unfit to travel; or
  2. likely to endanger his/her health or safety; or
  3. likely to endanger the health or safety or impair the comfort of others onboard; then the Company and/or the Master of the vessel shall be entitled at any time to take any of the following courses as appear appropriate to them namely to:
    1. Require the Passenger to take any diagnostic medical tests prior to embarkation and submit such results to the Company and/or the Master of the vessel;
    2. Refuse to embark or disembark the passenger at any particular port; or
    3. Disembark the Passenger at any port; or Transfer the Passenger from one berth to another; or
    4. Confine the Passenger to a seat or another appropriate place on the vessel; or
    5. Administer first aid and administer any drug, medicine or other substance or to admit and/or confine the passenger to a hospital or other similar institution at any port, provided that the Master considers that any such steps are necessary.
    6. Where a Passenger is refused embarkation or is disembarked, the Company shall not be liable for any loss or expense caused to the Passenger nor shall the Passenger be entitled to any compensation.
    7. The Carrier reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone who in the Company's and/or Master's opinion is unfit for travel or anyone whose condition may constitute a danger to themselves or others onboard.
    8. The Carrier reserves the right to perform checks on passengers, their baggage / personal effects prior to boarding/embarkation pursuant to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).

No person may board the vessel when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No person may be permitted to drink alcoholic beverages on board the vessel unless served to them by the cabin crew. Cabin Crew shall not serve alcoholic beverages to any person on board who appears to be intoxicated and to passengers under 18 years of age.

17. Smoking Policy

Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, is strictly prohibited in all areas onboard, except in designated outdoor deck areas.

18. Claims

All claims and litigation of any kind whether against the Carrier and or the Vessel or otherwise shall be brought in Malta. Claims are to be reported to Company personnel prior disembarkation. These Conditions of Carriage shall be governed by the laws of Malta and international treaties in force. Each party hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Arbitration Courts of Malta in respect of any action, proceeding or litigation of any kind relating in any way to the passenger and or his luggage and or carriage on board the Vessel.