Vol. 528 No. 1
88 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the qualifications necessary for non-EU nationals who wish to enter the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29247/00]
The manning requirements and qualifications for officers serving on Irish fishing vessels are contained in the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck Officers and Engineer Officers) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 289 of 1988) as amended by the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck Officers and Engineer Officers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 192 of 2000). These requirements and qualifications are broadly in line with the International Maritime Organisation's STCW(F) (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Fishing Convention, 1995.
As the Deputy will no doubt be aware, the marine survey office of my Department is responsible for the examination and certification of seafarers, including those in the fishing sector, in Ireland. It would be essential that any non-EU national seeking employment as an officer on an Irish fishing vessel would have to satisfy the marine survey office that their qualifications are in line with the STCW(F) convention before they can be recognised or certified by my Department.
The position in relation to ratings is that while under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Fishing Vessels) Regulations, 1999, introduced by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, there is a duty on the part of employers to provide training for their workers, as specified in the regulations, this training does not require to be certificated. As I have already indicated in my Parliamentary Question reply of 7 December, I have directed that discussions occur immediately in relation to the question of the introduction of mandatory certificated safety training for fishermen, especially new entrants, and in this context the position regarding non-EU nationals being recruited as ratings on Irish fishing vessels is to be considered.
