Should you have to show photographic ID when travelling on the ferry?

We previously reported how the government’s Department of Home Affairs ran a survey which revealed ’broad support’ for the introduction of border identity checks for people travelling to and from the Isle of Man by sea.

Our reporter, Alan Vincent, asked people at the Sea Terminal how they would feel about having to show ID.

Margaret Burrow, from Douglas

’I think there should be some form of ID. Insisting that we have to show our passports would be slightly different as not everybody has one. But I think it’s a reasonable precaution in this day and age to have to show identification.

’Regarding crime, if people want to bring in drugs they’ll get a passport or some ID that will enable them to travel.

’What I wouldn’t want to see is people being picked on so that some people had to show it and others go through without.’

Tanya Burrow, aged 47, from Douglas

’I think they need some sort of ID check but not necessarily a passport. Photo ID should be suffice, especially for students because they can’t always afford to get passports all the time if they run out and they’re only travelling across to university. I don’t think it would necessarily make the island safer, there are other ways and methods to get drugs in. But I used to work at the airport. I was there when 9/11 hit so I know how necessary security is.’

Stephen Richards, aged 19, from Douglas

’I think it’s a good idea, then you would know everyone who is on the boat instead of just having a specific amount of people. It’s only a quick check. Regarding crime, I think it might make people think twice if they had to give a name up front. I think the airport has a good safety procedure.’

Ken Nuttall, aged 78, from Onchan

’I very often take my passport when I travel anyway. I think it would be fair to accept things like driving licences because not everyone has a passport.

’We have to do it at the airport anyway. It doesn’t take that much longer. They look at your passport and look at you and you’re done. I don’t see a problem.’

Olivia Savage, aged 20, from St John’s

’I don’t think it’s a bad idea. It would just make sense when they are doing it when you come in by plane. It’s no different. It only takes two seconds to show your passport. Regarding crime, if people are aware you don’t have to show ID on the boat, they might make a conscious effort to get the boat.’

Peter Clarke, aged 61, from Anagh Coar

’It wouldn’t bother me because you’ve got to understand now, the way the world is that identification of people is of prime importance with terrorism and things like that. Everyone has a driving licence, a passport is just the next level. It makes travel more secure so I would agree with it. I don’t think it would take longer. It’s a very quick process, it’s more thorough and it’s safer. I think we should protect our borders.’