Boat Permits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Questions (1116)

Martin Ferris

Question:

1116. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that since the introduction of passenger boat regulations by the Government in June 2002, the use of commercial fishing boats as passenger boats has been effectively banned and that although some boats may meet or surpass the safety standards for both fishing and passenger use, they may not be licensed for both purposes; his views on whether this damages tourist and fish angling potential in some rural coastal communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10060/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The primary concern of my Department in such matters is the enhancement of safety at sea, and this has to come before economic or sectorial interests. Different maritime activities have particular hazards and risks associated with them and safety requirements must take these into account.

Smaller fishing vessels must comply with a safety standard appropriate for their operations, namely the "Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Equipment and Operation of Small Fishing Vessels of Less than 15 metres Length Overall". Passenger boats that are appropriate for use in tourism angling must comply with a different safety standard - the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 273 of 2002).  This requirement came into force for any boats used for sea-angling after the regrettable loss of five lives following the sinking of the fishing vessel "Pisces" in July 2002 which had set to sea with a skipper and a party of nine passengers. A fishing vessel may become a passenger boat but in order to do this the fishing licence must be suspended, and the vessel must be licensed as a passenger boat by the Department and must comply with the Passenger Boat Regulations.