The safe loading, unloading and transportation of cargo is a matter for the master and owner of a vessel and it is their responsibility to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements relating to such operations. I understand that the question relates primarily to loading ramps of the type used to load vehicles from the quay to the vessel. I am advised that the vessel in question is a combined passenger and cargo vessel that operates between Galway and the Aran Islands. I understand that, in general, fixed loading ramps are fitted to vessels in which the carriage of vehicles is part of the vessel's operation, as in the case of a roll-on-roll-off vessel where the owners drive their own vehicles on and off the vessel. I am informed that as the vessel in question is not intended for such operations, it is accordingly not fitted with fixed loading ramps. However, I understand that the vessel is used to transport vehicles such as tractors, cars and small trucks on an irregular basis as cargo. I am advised that the vessel's design, including stability considerations, is suitable for the transportation of such vehicles and I am also advised that arrangements for loading and unloading these vehicles are satisfactory.