Vol. 453 No. 6
141 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for the Marine if, following the incidents involving ro ro ferries, new safety regulations are now in force; the design changes, if any, that have been carried out on the ferries; if there are regular inspections of the vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9736/95]
There is a large international dimension to maritime safety legislation. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions are the cornerstone of maritime safety regulation throughout the world. The Department gives the highest priority to introducing into Irish law the IMO's constantly evolving standards for ferry safety.
Following the Estonia tragedy in September 1994, the Maritime Safety Committee of the IMO ordered a thorough review of ro-ro passenger ferry safety to be carried out on a priority basis by a panel of international experts. The review was to draw on all available advice and information from IMO member states. The terms of reference of the panel of experts required it to look at all potentially dangerous areas of ro-ro passenger ships. The main philosophy which governed the work of the panel of experts was that a safe ship is one which is well built, well maintained and run by a well trained crew. The Chief Surveyor of the Department of the Marine played an active role in the review.
The report of the panel of experts was presented to the Maritime Safety Committee of the IMO at its last meeting earlier this month. The panel recommends that a number of IMO conventions be amended, viz the Conventions on Safety of Life at Sea, Search and Rescue and on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. IMO member states are now considering this report in detail and it is to be discussed further by the Maritime Safety Committee in advance of the IMO general assembly in November.
Ireland will comply fully with any new legislation which is introduced by the IMO.
The role of the European Union in maritime safety was given increased impetus as a result of the Braer tanker disaster and more recently following the loss of the passenger ferry Estonia. The EU's “Common Policy of Safe Seas” provides the framework for a range of important regulatory measures covering maritime safety including Port State Control, the International Safety Management Code and reporting arrangements for ships carrying dangerous or polluting goods. Ireland participates actively at EU level to ensure that the highest standards of ferry safety prevail.
