Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 4

Written Answers - Marine Safety.

David Stanton

Question:

79 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the provision made by his Department to enforce safety regulations and guidelines, if any, relating to the angling fleet around the coasts, with special reference to smaller boats; if he will give details of these regulations and guidelines; whether these regulations and guidelines are based in law; the Acts involved; the cost to his Department of enforcing these regulations and guidelines; the plans, if any, to update the law in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25333/98]

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

Boats used on a commercial basis to take anglers to sea must hold a loadline certificate under the Merchant Shipping Loadline Rules, 1968, which were made under the Loadline Act, 1968. In order to qualify for such a certificate a boat must be surveyed by a marine surveyor, meet specific construction standards, carry a specified range of safety equipment, and undergo annual surveys during the period of validity of the certificate, usually five years.

Such boats are, however, exempted from the requirement to hold a loadline certificate under the 1968 rules if they do not carry cargo, do not carry more than 12 people, and do not travel more than three miles from land and more than 15 miles from the point of departure.

My Department has issued non-statutory guidelines on recommended lifesaving and fire-fighting appliances and other safety requirements for sea-angling boats qualifying for loadline exemption certificates.

The costs to the Department of issuing loadline certificates and loadline exemption certificates are in respect of sea-angling boats not immediately identifiable.

Detailed regulations are presently being drafted which will apply to all commercial sea-angling boats irrespective of the length of voyage and I hope to be in a position to introduce these early in the new year.