P&O Ferries has partnered with Convo to introduce a British Sign Language (BSL) video interpreting service across its passenger operations. Convo (formerly SignLive) provides on-demand BSL video interpreting services across the UK.
The service enables passengers who use BSL to contact P&O Ferries’ booking and customer care teams through a qualified interpreter in real time. By scanning a Convo QR code at passenger touchpoints or selecting P&O Ferries within the Convo app, users are instantly connected to an interpreter, who relays the conversation to a member of the customer services team. The partnership is intended to strengthen communication access for passengers who use British Sign Language and forms part of P&O Ferries’ wider accessibility drive.
Louisa Bell, Passenger Managing Director at P&O Ferries, said, “We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Our partnership with Convo strengthens how passengers who use British Sign Language can contact our support teams in a way that works for them. This initiative is another step forward in making our journeys more inclusive and ensuring that no one is left on the shore.”
Steph Lotz, General Manager at Convo, said, “We are delighted to partner with P&O Ferries to pioneer scalable communication access in passenger ferry travel. Navigating travel should not be a complicated experience for BSL users, and we are proud that P&O Ferries shares this view. This partnership is a strong example of what is possible when accessibility is treated as a business priority, setting a new benchmark for customer service.”
This introduction builds on existing accessibility measures across P&O Ferries’ passenger operations. The company already offers the following initiatives:
- Sensory bags: Available to use onboard and include a selection of sensory toys and calming devices for anyone who may benefit from them during their sailing. The bag and its contents have been carefully selected and will be cleaned after every use.
- Changing Places facilities: P&O Ferries holds Changing Places accreditation for accessible toilet and changing facilities onboard two of its Dover-Calais vessels. These facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and include equipment such as height-adjustable adult changing benches, ceiling track hoists and space for carers to assist people with complex disabilities.
- Sunflower lanyard scheme: Passengers can request a sunflower lanyard in advance, at the port, or onboard to indicate that they may require additional assistance.
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