Alternatively there are lines of investigation that should be pursued urgently with the object of finding methods of improving the survivability of Ro-Ro passenger ferries. It is concluded that a feasibility exercise should be carried out to investigate the practical details of such divisions and their effect upon commercial operations. A detailed study should be made of all possible types of portable bulkheads, both structurally and in terms of their practical effects including concomitant vehicle stowing disadvantages as mentioned above. There is an urgent need for investigations into the effect of longitudinal bulkheads on a range of vessels. These investigations should include depth of penetration probability statistics and a definition of the risks involved with different configurations and penetrations.