Martin Brady
Question:75 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to introduce regulations regarding jet skiing on lakes and rivers. [24395/98]
Written Answers - Water Sports Vehicles.
I am sure the Deputy is aware that I have been for some time very conscious of the wide-ranging concerns that have been expressed by public representatives, several organisations and by members of the general public about the use of jet skis and fast power craft. Vessels known as personal water craft, together with speed boats, are the most commonly cited craft which have given rise to public concern. The concerns expressed suggest that there are instances where perhaps inexperienced operators of these craft have shown scant regard for safety. Safety must be a primary and integral part of water sports activities, particularly where power craft are involved.
While the Merchant Shipping (Jet Skis and Fast Power Boat) Regulations, 1992 were introduced to prevent these craft operating in certain areas, the Deputy will be aware from my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 27 May 1998 of the difficulties concerning the implementation of these regulations.
As I have stated before, my overriding concern as Minister with responsibility for the prevention of loss of life at sea and the promotion of sustainable development of marine tourism and leisure is to ensure that such craft are operated in a safe and responsible manner.
I have identified the need for action on a number of fronts. A marine safety working group (MSWG) operates under the chairmanship of the Director of the Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES) of my Department, with the aim of creating and communicating marine safety information and messages, to endeavour to reduce accidents and to prevent the loss of life in Irish waters. The safety working group meets regularly and has produced a number of "Safety on the Water" booklets, leaflets and posters for widespread dissemination. A safety code for jet skis and fast power boats which is available in poster, flyer and sticker form has been drawn up and is in being widely distributed by the director of IMES. The purpose of the code is to heighten awareness of the requirement to operate such craft in a safe manner with particular regard to the safety of other water users.
I am taking steps to ensure that this safety code is communicated to purchasers and users of jet skis and fast power craft and that suppliers of such craft will assist in disseminating the code. Also, local authorities are being requested to post the code in areas where jet skis and fast power craft are used. The National Safety Council will also be involved in promoting the code.
The Marine Institute, whose functions include the promotion of the sustainable development of the marine leisure resource is examining at my request and with the benefit of independent expertise the options for the management of the operation of fast power craft. The examination is, amongst other things, looking at appropriate statutory and non-statutory models for management and promotion of the safe use of such craft. The institute is liaising closely with my Department in the matter and will draw on management models at a number of locations in Ireland and abroad. In addition, there will be full consultation with interested parties, including public authorities and voluntary bodies.
It is clear to me that the control of recreational fast power craft must be addressed on a number of fronts. My immediate concern is to ensure that progress is made as a matter of urgency in raising safety awareness among the users of such craft. The use of statutory mechanisms to regulate such craft is complex form both safety and legal perspectives but I am determined that if statutory measures are identified as being necessary the various public agencies will agree on a plan of action to implement them.