Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
266 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if adequate health and safety standards currently apply to all passenger and cargo sea-going vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19576/04]
View answerI have previously advised the House that standards for all sea-going vessels are developed and adopted at international level. These standards apply to passenger and cargo sea-going vessels and include health and safety standards at an operational level on board these vessels.
Under Irish and international law all passenger and cargo vessels, trading into and out of Irish ports are required to carry the appropriate certification to demonstrate compliance with International Maritime Organisation, IMO, and International Labour Organisation, ILO, requirements. All vessels are subject to surveys and inspections under the relevant flag state or port state control inspection system. The international conventions covered by these inspections include the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, the STCW convention. All crew on board a vessel must have proper certification to ensure that they are suitably trained and can adequately and safely discharge the duties of the positions they hold.
The surveyors attached to the maritime safety directorate of my Department conduct regular inspections of vessels, including unannounced checks, to ensure compliance with the relevant conventions and regulations. Safety conditions relating to manning levels, maximum passenger numbers allowed, the continued availability of safety equipment are among the issues which inspectors focus on.
The monitoring of vessels by regular inspections is proving to be an effective measure in encouraging full compliance and implementation of the health and safety standards and is an effective method in ensuring that the vessels operating into and out of Irish ports and waters are complying with international convention requirements.
