Quote Originally Posted by Nisshead View Post
I think we get thought when going for a licence test to put handbrake on and leave in gear or park when stopped but could be different where you got yours...but it's common sense to me

On the cost side, if this added an extra 5 minutes to each of their trips it would add a substantial cost of running the barge. Remember its only a30min whole trip which includes boarding, etc. around 17% if my maths is correct. Now compared to the Herald which has roughly a 3hr + trip on water and probably the same boarding I think an extra few minutes to close the door would not equate to any major cost increase.

Also there were few other major contributing factors to the Harolds sinking going by your link. Main one was the ship was not designed for this particular trip..

The Fraser barge can go across with the door open.

Anyway, all good
Except for peak holiday times, you usually have to wait until barge has several vehicles on board before it leaves so there is plenty of time to to check so can't see any reason to increase prices.
Usually the ramp comes up as they leave the beach and they have to lower front one as they approach beach for better visibility.
I think is is now $120 return because there is no competition. It was only $80 not that long ago until Kingfisher Bay mob pulled their barges out and left it to Mantaray. Amazing what competition does. I use Kingfisher barge from River Heads as it is only 5klm from home for similar price as a local but normal price is $165 return.