Vol. 544 No. 4
124 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the number of trawler skippers who go to sea without a mechanic; and if his attention has been drawn to the dangers caused by hydraulic net and cage lifting equipment being overburdened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29195/01]
I am very concerned at the number of accidents involving mechanical lifting equipment on board fishing vessels. If this type of equipment is not operated correctly it can pose very serious risk of injury or even loss of life. I am aware of a number of serious accidents arising from failure associated with such equipment. The primary responsibility for the maintenance of fishing vessel equipment rests with the skipper-owner. New fishing vessels over 15 metres and existing vessels over 18 metres must comply with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Fishing Vessels) Regulations, 1999. These regulations give effect to Council Directive 93/103/EEC on the minimum health and safety requirements applicable to work on board fishing vessels. The regulations set out the duties of owners in this regard, including duties in relation to the provision of information, training, instruction and consultation of workers. They view vessel decks as workplaces, recognising the very dangerous nature of work on a fishing vessel deck.
Under the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck Officers and Engineer Officers) Regulations, 1988, fishing vessels with engine power greater than 750 kW are also obliged to carry specified numbers of qualified engineer officers depending on the registered power of the vessel. BIM provides training for those wishing to study for engineer officer certificates of competency, (fishing vessel), class I-class II under these regulations.
