Austin Deasy
Ceist:7 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make it obligatory for all users of small boats to wear lifejackets.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Lifejackets.
Séamus Pattison
Ceist:15 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make the wearing of lifejackets compulsory; and if he will take steps to enforce that measure in respect of all pleasure boats.
(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 15 together.
Current legislation with regard to lifejackets is contained in the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Rules, 1967 and 1987, which require fishing vessels of 40 feet in length or over and pleasure craft of 45 feet in length or over to carry a lifejacket for every person on board. In addition all such vessels are required to carry a number of lifebuoys, depending on the length of the vessel.
It would not be a practical proposition to make the wearing of lifejackets obligatory at all times. For example, the type of lifejacket currently in use can restrict movements on deck on a fishing vessel, and could become entangled in deck machinery.
Notwithstanding the impracticalities and dangers which would be associated with the compulsory wearing of lifejackets at all times my Department have on many occasions impressed on all seafarers the importance of wearing life jackets when they are in distress. The Merchant Shipping (Musters) Rules, 1983 also provide for the inspection of lifejackets at crew musters and drills. In addition, since 1 January 1985, all candidates for fishing vessel certificates of competency have been required, before taking the examination, to undergo a basic sea survival course which includes familiarisation with life-saving appliances.
Finally, the Merchant Shipping (Passenger and Vessel Safety and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which, with the assistance of this House, I hope to have in place before the summer season, contains enabling provision in respect of the carriage of life-saving appliances on board small boats. The requirements in respect of lifejackets will be reviewed when the Bill comes into force.
The Minister put forward the same argument which was used 25 years ago in regard to car seat safety belts. He said it is not a practical proposition to have lifebelts for everybody going out in boats. Is the Minister aware that every year a number of people are drowned in small pleasure boats and small open fishing boats around our coast within yards of the shore? Surely something should be done to see that these people, many of whom are experienced fishermen but who have never been in a boat, should be obliged to take certain safety precautions? Does the Minister seriously believe that the regulation which demands that such lifejackets be worn by people in boats 45 feet long is realistic? They are big boats and such people would wear lifejackets only if the boat was in danger of foundering in very bad weather.
(Limerick West): As I have said, the requirements in respect of lifejackets will be reviewed when the Bill comes into force. I accept what the Deputy has said. Further to that, my Department are now examining the conditions that prevail in other countries with a view to including some provision in the Bill to which I have just referred. I have taken on board what the Deputy has said and it will be considered.
As many of the tragic accidents to which Deputy Deasy has referred occur mainly during the summer time when people who are not experienced at sea very often take to sea in small boats, does the Minister intend, in the Bill which he proposes to bring before the House, to bring within the scope of the Merchant Shipping Acts those vessels which carry 12 passengers or fewer and will he provide for life-saving and safety equipment on those vessels? Did I understand the Minister to say that the question of the provision of lifejackets would be reviewed only after the Bill has been brought before the House or is it his intention to include it in the Bill?
(Limerick West): As I have already stated, it will be considered in conjunction with the Bill.
Will it be in the Bill?
(Limerick West): My officials are examining the situations that prevail in other countries and we are also consulting the maritime authorities in other countries.
So much for Irish ingenuity.
I would ask the Minister if the Air, Sea, Search and Rescue Services Committee which submitted their report to the Minister over a month ago examined the matter of lifejackets and safety at sea? Can the Minister tell the House when he will be in a position to make a decision on that report, why he has not made a decision to date, if he intends to bring this matter to Government and if he intends to publish the report?
(Limerick West): That seems to be a separate question and is for answer later.
It is rather a specific matter.
(Limerick West): There is a question to that effect on the Order Paper.
Was the question of lifejackets examined in that report?
(Limerick West): Yes, all aspects were examined.
With the emphasis now being placed on marine leisure activity and with the prospects of another warm summer, would the Minister not agree that there is a degree of urgency attached to the introduction of legislation such as that to which Deputy Deasy referred, to avoid further tragic accidents during the coming summer?
(Limerick West): I accept that and it is my intention to have this legislation in place before the summer.