Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 2

Written Answers. - Marine Accidents.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

96 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the Marine Casualty Investigation Board's investigation into the loss of the Pisces at Fethard-on-Sea, County Wexford, on 28 July 2002, on the failure of his Department to implement the Merchant Shipping Act 1992 and the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat Regulations) 2002; if the Act and regulations should be amended; and the other actions he intends to take following the report on the Pisces tragedy. [15912/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

I welcome the Marine Casualty Investigation Board's comprehensive report into the loss of the Pisces at Fethard-on-Sea in County Wexford on 28 July 2002. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives. My response to the recommendations of the report and the actions arising are detailed in an appendix to the report.

In August 2002, following the Pisces tragedy, I initiated a review of safety on small watercraft focusing on the requirement to carry and wear lifejackets, licensing requirements, enforcement and increased safety awareness. Arising from this review, a number of significant new measures have been implemented or are being introduced which together will address the recommendations of the Pisces report. In November 2002 I announced a consultation process on the wearing of lifejackets. I have also strengthened the regulations governing the operation of passenger boats, which carry up to 12 passengers for reward. All exemptions from the licensing requirements under the Merchant Shipping Act 1992 for sea going passenger boats, including boats used for sea angling, have ceased since 1 January 2003. I brought forward the implementation date for new passenger boat regulations to 1 January 2003. These regulations set out the construction and safety equipment requirements with which a boat must comply.

I recently requested the Maritime Safety Directorate to review current regulations applicable to certain domestic passenger ships and to propose amendments and new regulations where considered necessary. A public consultation process was initiated on this aspect of the review on 19 May and it includes a discussion forum on the Department's website. The closing date for receipt of comments is 27 June. I intend to introduce a new safety code for leisure craft as soon as possible. Under the code owners of vessels will be liable for ensuring that anyone on board their vessel complies with the conditions of the code, such as the wearing of lifejackets. Following examination of the submissions received on the wearing of lifejackets, I will shortly bring in additional legal measures requiring the wearing of lifejackets in a wider array of circumstances than at present.

The third element of the review relates to enforcement. I recently announced a crackdown on non-compliance with passenger boat safety involving a campaign of random spot checks this summer. There will also be closer liaison with the Garda Síochána and an active policy of prosecution for offenders will be pursued. I launched a safety awareness campaign on 29 May as part of a three year safety programme which is being promoted by the coast guard and the Maritime Safety Directorate of my Department. The campaign involves, among other things, a series of radio and on-line safety awareness advertisements.