Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 7

Written Answers. - Safety at Sea.

Dick Spring

Question:

12 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns for the safety of passengers and sea-anglers being taken on boat trips by licensed boat operators; the proposals, if any, he has to introduce legislation to require licensed boats to employ a competent skipper to ensure the safety of passengers; if so, the authority he would propose to police the standards set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19011/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I am very much aware of the need to provide for the safety of all persons being taken on boat trips by licensed boat operators. I assure the Deputy that the operation of licensed passenger boats is continuously monitored by my Department to ensure that the highest standards of safety are set and enforced, to minimise the risks to human safety on our seas, rivers and lakes.

Passenger vessels which carry more than 12 passengers are statutorily required to hold a valid passenger vessel safety certificate, which certifies that the vessel is fit to operate, subject to any conditions that may be imposed upon it. These are issued annually on foot of surveys, conducted by a marine surveyor of my Department, which involve thorough inspection of the vessel and its equipment, as well as the operation of safety standards on board. The certificate also specifies the limits beyond which the vessel may not ply and the maximum number of passengers that may be carried. The passenger vessel safety certificate is only issued after a nominated person or persons are approved by the Marine Survey Office of my Department to act as master of the vessel. The approval process requires that the person satisfy my marine survey office of a level of competence commensurate with the size of the vessel and the sea conditions in which the vessel will operate.

The Merchant Shipping Act, 1992, provides that all passenger boats carrying 12 or fewer passengers must also be inspected and licensed by my Department. A passenger boat licence may only be granted after the vessel has been inspected by a marine surveyor of my Department and found to be suitable. The operators of all such vessels must, for licensing purposes, satisfy a comprehensive range of safety standards in relation to vessel construction and seaworthiness, and approved firefighting, life-saving and radio equipment.

As is the case with a passenger vessel safety certificate, the passenger boat licence also specifies the limits beyond which the boat may not ply and the maximum number of passengers that may be carried. Passenger boats are surveyed by the Marine Survey Office every two years to have their licence renewed.

Boats used for sea angling are defined as fishing vessels under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992, and do not require a passenger boat licence under that Act. All fishing vessel operators, including the operators of sea angling boats are encouraged to comply with comprehensive safety requirements including carriage of lifejackets and other essential safety equipment.

Sea angling boats must, however, be regularly surveyed and certified by my Department under the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 1968, for compliance with constructional standards. Vessels, including sea angling boats, are exempt from the Load Line Rules if they are less than 80 registered tonnes and do not carry cargo; do not carry more than 12 passengers; and do not operate more than 15 miles from the point of departure or more than three miles from land.

Before a passenger boat licence or a load line certificate or exemption is issued, the Marine Survey Office must be satisfied as to the knowledge and ability of a designated person or persons in relation to the operation of the vessel, familiarity with the area of operation, emergency procedures, and the use of firefighting and safety equipment. Only persons actually named on the licence or certificate are permitted to act as skipper of the vessel when carying passengers or anglers.

While there is no statutory requirement at present for these persons to hold a recognised certificate of competency, the need to have persons trained to that level of competence — who will skipper licensed boats — is kept under constant review by my Department.