Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 2

Written Answers. - Passenger Vessel Licences.

Enda Kenny

Question:

100 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the criteria, if any, involved in having a 12 passenger vessel certified by his Department as being fit to carry passengers at sea; the weather conditions under which vessels are authorised to transport passengers; the way in which these criteria are monitored as to their adherence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5842/98]

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

The Merchant Shipping Act, 1992, provides that all passenger boats carrying 12 or fewer passengers must 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.

While the majority of passenger boat licences issued by my Department are valid for the summer period only, that is, 1 April to 31 October each year, there are a number of vessels whose licence allows them to operate in the winter time as well. In any event, the licence clearly stipulates that such vessels may operate in fine and fair weather only. 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.

Before a passenger boat licence is issued, the Marine Survey Office must be satisified 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 are permitted to act as skipper of the vessel when carrying passengers.

The Garda has been notified of the precise provisions of the 1992 Act and any suspected breaches of these provisions are brought to the notice of the local Garda Síochána who are responsible for law enforcement in general. Apart from the statutory surveys, individual passenger boats are monitored by my Department, as well as the Garda, on an ongoing basis to ensure that the vessel is being operated in compliance with the legislation. Operators who are found to be in breach of the terms of their licence are liable to be prosecuted and can face fines, or even imprisonment, if convicted.