The draft code of safe practice for recreational craft was issued for public consultation last year and the maritime safety directorate of the Department is evaluating the comments received with the aim of publishing and launching the code in the near future. At the time of publication, the code will be made available to the public through the Department's website and other sources.
The purpose of the draft code is to assist owners and operators of recreational craft by setting out in one document current legislative requirements relating to recreational craft, in addition to recommended best practice regarding the safe operation of such craft. It covers all types of sailing and motorboats and also craft such as jet skis, canoes and kayaks. The draft code is divided into two parts. Part A of the codeoutlines existing legislative requirements that apply to recreational craft. Part B provides guidance on best practice for the safe operation of recreational craft.
Policing is already carried out on the legislative requirements outlined in part A of the code, through a combination of the Garda, the Department's marine surveyors and members of the Coast Guard. Part B of the code will not be mandatory but all recreational craft users will be encouraged to follow the guidance on best practice contained in it. If, following publication, experience indicates that owners and operators are not following the guidance provided in part B then consideration will have to be given to introducing mandatory requirements.
There is currently no specific register of small vessel owners. However, the owners of such craft may voluntarily register under the Mercantile Marine Act 1955. In 2004 the maritime safety directorate undertook a public consultation process on a proposal to establish a small vessel register, SVR, on a voluntary, non-statutory basis. The aim of the proposed SVR would be to provide a simple registration system to enhance maritime safety, security and pollution prevention. As proposed, it is not intended to register "title" or provide proof of nationality of the vessel. The comments received on foot of the consultation process are being assessed with a view to taking the issue of a small vessel register forward.