This story, picked up on the NO2ID forums makes disturbing reading as I can see other operators making similar demands.
LERWICK Community Council has joined the ranks of those slamming plans by ferry operator NorthLink to introduce a photo ID system for passengers travelling to and from the Northern Isles.
The controversial ID system, which NorthLink plans to introduce from 1st May, is being introduced as part of a bid to ensure the ferry company has the true identity of its passengers.
On the plus side, local councils oppose the proposal, but what is the rationale for the company to know who people are? One of the correspondents on the NO2ID forum wrote and asked. The response was typically bland and lacking in any reasonable explanation.
For a number of reasons it has become increasingly important for NorthLink to be able to have confidence that those traveling on its vessels are who they say they are. We are aware of recent incidents – several of which have been reported in the press – where passengers have traveled under false names specifically to avoid identification. So while we know that it can and does happen, we have a responsibility to do what we can to ensure that we know who is on the ship at any time.
They need to know the amount of people on the vessel, they don’t need to know who they are, though. Or, for that matter that they are who they say they are. That, frankly, is none of the carrier’s business. So what if people want to avoid identification? That is their business. There may be perfectly rational and legal reasons why someone is travelling under a false persona. Indeed, last month I was doing just that. I was carrying out a legitimate activity on behalf of one of my clients and it involved being someone else for the day. Getting used to a new name and identity isn’t that straightforward – you have to keep reminding yourself who you are and remembering to respond to your new name. Oh, and realising that in the haste to set everything up, none of your cheques, debit or credit cards are in the new name, so you need to resort to cash. This false identity lark takes some thinking about. I’m not sure I want to make a habit of it.
However, I’m drifting away from my point; ferry companies need some basic information in the event of a problem – who to tell when you’ve drowned following their ferry hitting another vessel, for example. What they do not need is photo ID. Nor, for that matter do they need your real name. What they need is what you or I deign to tell them and nothing more. If I give a fake name with fake details, then that’s my lookout if it all goes tits-up. I know who I am. If I think you need to know, I’ll tell you. Otherwise, it’s no one’s business but mine. I intend to do all in my power to keep it that way.
Footnote: To highlight the absurdity of what this company is doing, last month I was in possession of a photo ID card with my false name on it. So, what use is a photo ID?
I personally applaud Northlink for their assistance in combatting terrorism and criminal acts.
They will, of course, need to sign a contract with each citizen who travels on their ferries (just printed on the back of the ticket will do) “We need to know your identity because if a wanted criminal or terrorist used our transport and we failed to apprehend them, we would be criminally liable,an accessory after the fact, liable to huge civil actions and be shut down by the government for our failure to apprehend these persons. We would additionally pay to the passengers on said ferry the sum of £10,000,000 each for jeapordising their lives”
I am sure they will do this and therefore I do not see why you are creating a lot of fuss about nothing
Given carriers’ penchant for explicitly absolving themselves of any liability for criminal or terrorist acts, I’d suggest that that pig flapping past my window is more likely 😉
Which terrorist group, I wonder, would target NorthLink ferries? The Northern Isles People’s Front, or the People’s Front of the Northern Isles?
A terrorist threat in the Shetland Islands? Is someone making attacks on their bizzarely accented form of English again? I can’t say I fancy going to the Shetlands. This idea of having to produce a passport for internal travel (think also Northern Ireland to mainland Britain) is just wrong. The IRA couldn’t kill these freedoms; a politician’s pen can. Eventually it’s going to get to a stage where it becomes impossible to do anything without declaring what you had for breakfast last Wednesday. How sad.
“the People’s Front of the Northern Isles”
SPLITTERS!
Good post. You make some great points that most people do not fully understand.
“However, I’m drifting away from my point; ferry companies need some basic information in the event of a problem – who to tell when you’ve drowned following their ferry hitting another vessel, for example. What they do not need is photo ID. Nor, for that matter do they need your real name. What they need is what you or I deign to tell them and nothing more. If I give a fake name with fake details, then that’s my lookout if it all goes tits-up. I know who I am. If I think you need to know, I’ll tell you. Otherwise, it’s no one’s business but mine. I intend to do all in my power to keep it that way.”
I like how you explained that. Very helpful. Thanks.
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