Vol. 398 No. 8
28 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for the Marine when the committee established to investigate the situation relating to the safety of sea-going craft, particularly those accommodating fewer than 12 passengers, will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
No committee has been set up to investigate safety of sea-going craft but the Deputy may be referring to earlier statements by me regarding the preparation of legislation to govern the regulation of vessels which carry twelve or fewer passengers on our waters.
The Merchant Shipping Acts, which are administered by my Department, apply to vessels which carry more than twelve passengers to sea or on rivers, canals, lakes or estuaries. Such vessels are required to hold a valid passenger certificate and are subject to annual surveys conducted by the marine surveyors of my Department.
I should explain that vessels which carry 12 passengers or fewer for hire or reward are outside the scope of the Merchant Shipping Acts but may be licensed by local authorities under the Public Health Acts. However, the token level of fines under these Acts and the absence of any statutory safety requirements in respect of such vessels has resulted in the legislation being less than effective.
As Minister with overall responsibility for safety of life at sea, I am anxious to introduce new safety and certification requirements in respect of vessels carrying 12 or fewer passengers. My officials have, therefore, prepared draft legislation which will bring the regulation of vessels carrying twelve or fewer passengers for hire or reward within the scope of the Merchant Shipping Acts. Enabling provision to allow for the regulation of pleasure craft should this be considered necessary are also included in the draft legislation. The legislation is now ready for consideration by the Government. Once Government approval has been secured, I should hope, with the assistance of this House, to have the legislation enacted as quickly as possible.
