Bernard J. Durkan
Question:161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if Irish fishing vessels compare with those overseas in terms of seaworthiness and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22306/00]
Written Answers. - Fishing Fleet Modernisation.
Although there are no international league tables available which show how Irish sea fishing vessels compare with their overseas counterparts, our vessels compare favourably with other countries in terms of seaworthiness and safety.
Safety regulation of vessels at international level emanates from the safety conventions of the International Maritime Organisation which produce consistently improving safety standards for vessels of all kinds. My Department continues to give the highest priority to introducing into Irish law the provisions of these conventions, thus ensuring that Irish sea fishing vessels meet the same safety standards as those of other countries. The same applies to initiatives at European Union level.
European Council Directive 97/70 on a harmonised safety regime for fishing vessels of 24 metres and over in length provided for the implementation in EU states of the 1993 Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels. In 1998, my Department introduced two statutory instruments which transposed the directive into national law. All Irish fishing vessels of 24 metres and over built since the mid-1980s comply with the requirements of the Torremolinos Convention.
As well as safety regulation which stems from our international commitments, my Department has also initiated a wide range of measures to improve the seaworthiness and safety of fishing vessels. For fishing vessels of less than 24 metres, there are extensive regulations in place which cover life-saving appliances, fire-fighting equipment and radio equipment. Further safety regulations for vessels of 12 to 24 metres and from six to 12 metres have been drafted, in consultation with the fishing industry and these are expected to be in place in the near future.
In addition, the manning requirements and qualifications for officers on fishing vessels are in line with the STCW (F) (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Fishing Convention, 1995, which ensure that our fishing vessels are manned by highly trained professional crews, the products of our two excellent nautical fishing colleges.
Investment in the fishing fleet under the whitefish renewal programme which has totalled £5.5 million has also contributed significantly to improved safety and seaworthiness. The programme provided support for the introduction of 29 new fishing vessels and of 19 modern second-hand vessels and the modernisation and upgrading of a further 63 vessels. All of these vessels will have the latest life-saving equipment on board to provide the safest possible workplace for our fishermen.