Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Maritime Regulations.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

160 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by seafarers that proposed maritime regulations, due to be introduced in February 2002, relating to changes in the certificates of competence will result in the downgrading of Irish certificates; when it is expected that the new regulations will come into operation; if he will enter into discussions with organisations representing seafarers with a view to addressing these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/02]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

Ireland is a party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended in 1995 – the STCW Convention. This convention is an international, worldwide agreement involving over 100 countries that establishes common international standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers. It comes into effect on 1 February 2002.

Ireland's certification structure, including course entry requirements, the setting of course syllabi, the organisational structure and performance of our nautical colleges and the examination system administered by my Department, have all been subjected to very thorough scrutiny by a team of international experts appointed by the international maritime organisation. This has resulted in Ireland being included in the "White List" of countries deemed to fully satisfy all STCW requirements.

I am advised that officials in my Department have received a very small number of queries in relation to the continued validity of existing certificates of competency with the introduction of the new regime. The new certification standards will result in some adjustments to the sea area and tonnage limits specified on Irish certificates but in all cases the entitlements which holders of current certificates enjoy will be fully maintained.

Officials from my Department have explained and clarified these matters to those seafarers who have raised the issue directly with them. My officials will be pleased to assist seafarers or their representative organisations if any further clarification is required.