Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
186. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide clarification on the current surveying practices for fishing vessels, particularly those that fall just over the 15-meter mark, such as a vessel (details supplied) and consider reviewing these regulations to ensure they are fair and proportionate, and do not unduly push fishermen out of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56693/23]
View answerThe Merchant Shipping (Safety of Fishing Vessels) (15-24 Metres) Regulations 2007 apply to every mechanically propelled fishing vessel of 15 metres in length overall and over but less than 24 metres in length that are registered in the State. These Regulations set out the standards for the safe construction and equipment of fishing vessels and also the survey and certification requirements for new and existing vessels. The Regulations contain certain provisions that are common to all vessels and others that apply according to whether it is a new or existing vessel, or according to its area of operation and, in some cases, according to the length of the vessel. For example, in relation to fishing vessels of 17 metres or less in length, there are reduced requirements applying as set out below:
• the number and type of bilge pumps,
• the number of portable fire extinguishers,
• the number of life rafts,
• the number of lifebuoys,
• the number of portable two-way VHF radiotelephones.
All fishing vessels, regardless of length or the area of operation, are subject to a survey programme, which includes a survey every 4 years with regard to the structure, including the outside of the vessel’s hull, and the machinery of the vessel. The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department carry out the surveys of 15-24m fishing vessels following receipt of an application from an owner. Before a Fishing Vessel Safety Certificate is issued, an MSO surveyor completes a declaration of survey to confirm that a fishing vessel complies with the requirements of the Regulations.
Other statutory requirements falling within the remit of the MSO may also be verified during such surveys including those arising from EU Directive 2017/159 concerning the implementation of the International Labour Organization's Work in Fishing Convention (2007), which requirements were developed in a social partnership agreement including the fishing vessel owners and the fisher representatives’ organisations.
My Department takes the safety of fishing vessels and their crew very seriously. I do not believe that the survey requirements for fishing vessels are unfair or disproportionate, but rather are in line with international best practice and serve to ensure that our fishing fleet are operating safely, which I am sure you will agree should come above all else. If there is a particular regulation a fishing vessel owner is having difficulty with, he or she may wish to make contact with the Marine Survey Office of my Department to discuss this matter directly.
