Society Talk

Is there any way to tell if a ferry is safe before you board?

Just read the post about the ferry that sank off Kyrenia: 267 people on board, at least 8 dead and about 18 missing. Survivors talked about an explosion and not enough lifejackets.

I take ferries on holiday all the time and I've never once checked anything. Not the operator, not the safety record, nothing. Is there actually anything a regular passenger can check, or are we all just trusting it'll be fine? (Not trying to be funny for once, genuinely asking.)