The chairman of the Steam Packet has reassured crew members that they’ve followed on-board safety rules to the letter.

Lars Ugland has written to the company’s staff following an investigation into Covid safety protocols.

A row broke out between the government and the state-owned ferry operator after crew members on the Ben-my-Chree tested positive for Covid, resulting in a cluster of cases in the island.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle said there had been a ’difference of opinion’ surrounding the expectations of what is required.

He maintained crew members must wear PPE when on board and that island-based seafarers should self-isolate when they are off-duty.

But Steam Packet crew members warned this would mean they would effectively be in permanent quarantine.

Last Friday, it was announced that an agreement has been reached to end the dispute.

Crew will be tested at the beginning and the end of each shift.

And Isle of Man-based crew members will not have to self-isolate when returning to the island.

In his letter to crew members, Mr Ugland said: ’As an ex-seaman from deep sea fishing, I am very aware of the dedication required to be working on board a vessel. Unfortunately, this is not always appreciated by people who do not have an understanding of working at sea.

’Sadly, this has been proven in the last week.

’Rumour and misinformation regarding the Covid protocols required by staff throughout the pandemic had caused stress and mistrust.’

He said an extensive investigation by the non-executive directors concluded that the protocols, with particular regard to self-isolation of Manx resident crews, have been adhered to correctly.

Mr Ugland pointed out that the Chief Minister had stated there is no basis for any prosecution.

He added: ’You have the continued support of the entire board, who appreciate all your hard work and dedication.’

As part of the new arrangements, crew members will have priority access to the island’s Covid-19 vaccination programme.

This aims to reduce the likelihood of crew members who may have the virus from passing it on to others.

The new testing regime that’s been introduced will ensure that the infection status of staff can be regularly monitored.

Risk assessments already in place for Steam Packet Company vessels have also been reviewed.

These set out the requirements for crew and passengers, including the use of PPE, social distancing, and the interaction between Isle of Man and UK-based crew members.

The government said that taking the new measures into account and acknowledging that the risk profiles of Isle of Man and UK-based crew differ, the Manx-based crew members will not have to self-isolate when returning to the island.

UK-based crew will still be required to self-isolate.