Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 3

Written Answers. - Marine Training Standards.

David Stanton

Question:

125 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reasons his Department does not recognise naval service marine engineer sea time for the purpose of accreditation of qualifications; the plans, if any, he has to recognise this sea time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2673/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

The 1995 amendments, STCW 95, to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping 1978, prescribe mandatory minimum requirements for the certification of engineer officers and engine-room watch ratings which are reflected in the implementing Irish legislation, the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations, 1998, SI No. 553 of 1998.

Candidates for Irish certificates of competency have to meet certain medical standards, including eyesight; have satisfactorily completed the minimum period of seagoing service; reach the required vocational and academic standard; undertake some ancillary technical training, and in the case of officer candidates, on completion of programmes of education and training approved by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, pass an oral examination by a Department of the Marine and Natural Resources examiner.

The fundamental principle of the STCW Convention is to ensure safe operation of merchant ships of different types. The convention requires that the sea time for certification must be served on a merchant vessel for the purpose of qualifying for certification. While my Department recognises the quality of training received by Naval Officers and accepts that their academic training is quite adequate and acceptable, as these officers currently conduct their entire ship related training on naval vessels, they are unable to comply with the STCW Convention requirements regarding qualifying sea service.

Discussions on this issue have, however, been taking place for some time now between my Department and the Department of Defence together with the Naval Service, with a view to identifying and developing a mechanism whereby engineering officers of the Naval Service may obtain appropriate certification for merchant shipping purposes provided they gain a certain amount of merchant vessel experience in addition to their Naval Service experience.

I am advised that, as a result of this consultation, the marine survey office of my Department, which is responsible for the examination and certification of seafarers under the STCW Convention, expects to be in a position shortly to finalise implementation arrangements for a procedure whereby Naval Service Officers sea service can be recognised in part towards that required for merchant vessel certification.