WATCH: CalMac try to get passengers' attention with airline-style safety video
The 3 minute film features islanders from Arran
Last updated 22nd Dec 2017
Ferry operator CalMac has revealed it's copying airlines and trying out the equivalent of a flight safety video on its ships to try and better educate passengers on what to do in an emergency.
The three-minute film is intended to get the message across using images of the scenery, wildlife and lifestyles of people living on the west coast and all the people featured in the video are locals from Arran.
Currently the safety announcement is a pre-recorded audio message, and is played after the ship's Captain has given their own welcome on board, but the firm says research shows that passengers aren't listening to it and they looked for a more engaging way of getting the message across.
CalMac’s director of Health, Safety, Quality and Environment, Louis de Wolff said: "The message behind our safety announcement is a serious one, it is about giving passengers the information they need in the unlikely event of an emergency.
"A safety announcement that meets the legal requirements is not fit for purpose unless people absorb and remember the information we want them to.
"By knowing clearly what to do in an emergency, there is a better chance of a successful outcome and a reduced chance of further accidents or injuries.
"By keeping passengers entertained we are keeping them engaged and therefore more likely to take on-board what we are telling them.’
The video and audio messages have been recorded in English and Gaelic with the video also having subtitles. The new video and audio announcements will be rolled out across the fleet during 2018.
CalMac sails on 27 routes across the west coast of Scotland serving island and remote mainland locations. It operates a fleet of 33 vessels and last year carried 5.3 million passengers and nearly 1.3 million vehicles