asked the Minister for the Marine if the approved safety standards for the Aranmore Island, County Donegal ferry, the Misneach, set a minimum manning level; the approved manning level; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Aranmore Island (Donegal) Ferry.
84.
In exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 78 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, I have exempted the Misneach from compliance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Deck Officers) Regulations, 1981, which require the vessel to carry a duly certificated Deck Officer Class 5 with Near Continental Command Endorsement on voyages in the Near Continental Trading Area.
The exemption is granted subject to the following conditions:
(i) the vessel shall be restricted to operating a passenger ferry service between Burtonport, County Donegal and Leabgarrow, Arranmore Island, county Donegal, during the hours of daylight only;
(ii) the place of the master of the vessel shall be taken by a specified named person who holds a temporary permit issued following an examination conducted by a nautical surveyor of my Department;
(iii) a minimum of two other crew members shall be carried;
(iv) a VHF link shall exist at all times between the vessel and either the terminal at Burtonport or Leabgarrow;
(v) any deviation from (i) to (iv) shall be notified forthwith to the Minister for the Marine who will reconsider the exemption in the light of the circumstances disclosed.
The exemption will have effect up to and including 2 November 1988.