Phil Hogan
Ceist:163 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he plans to introduce a new standard certificate of competence for boat handling into Ireland; and if so, when. [26366/03]
Written Answers. - Marine Safety.
There are a number of initiatives, which have been taken or are being taken, by the maritime safety directorate of my Department in relation to competency in boat handling. First, the directorate recently reviewed and recognised courses run by the Irish Sailing Association, ISA, and the International Yacht Master Training, IYT, to enhance the standard of yacht master and powerboat handling in Ireland. Second, the directorate recently appointed the ISA and the IYT as approved bodies for the issuing of the international certificate for operators of pleasure craft, ICC, on behalf of my Department. In so doing it has enabled Ireland to accept Resolution No. 40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and its annexes. Issue of the ICC by these approved bodies is subject to, among other things, the operator undergoing a training programme and demonstrating competency in specified safety requirements. Work is under way in the directorate on developing competency standards for skippers of domestic passenger ships and passenger boats with a view to introducing the necessary regulations in 2004.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 142.