All merchant vessels of significant size must be registered. More than 140 ship registers are in operation worldwide. Ship registers impose obligations on ship owners regarding maintenance, crewing standards and certification of those matters by the flag state or inspection bodies duly authorised by the flag state.
The development of flag state performance and standards are important issues for my Department and significant developments are taking place internationally to improve the performance of such states. Foremost among these is the development of the International Maritime Organisation flag state code and the IMO member state audit scheme. My Department is involved in these developments and organised a maritime safety forum in Gorey, County Wexford, last week to discuss ways to enhance the performance of flag states. The forum was attended by world leaders in the field of flag state performance.
As Minister, I have responsibility for the Irish ship register, that is, for Irish registered ships. The operations of other ship registers is governed by applicable national and international law. I cannot direct ship operators or owners to use a particular ship register. Within the European Community, ship operators are free to go on any EU or third country ship register.
I have no statutory function in regard to seafarers' wages. The ship operated by the company referred to by the Deputy is not registered on the Irish ship register. Obligations on the ship's owners regarding maintenance, crewing standards and certification of those matters are appropriate to the flag state operating the ship's register, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Foreign registered vessels using Irish ports are inspected regularly by the marine survey office of my Department in the exercise of Ireland's port state control obligations. These inspections are aimed at ensuring that such vessels are maintained and operated in compliance with international safety standards laid down by the IMO and, in terms of seafarers' social conditions, by the International Labour Organisation's maritime conventions, together with relevant EU initiatives in the maritime area. Deficiencies identified are brought to the attention of the owner and flag state administration and may have to be rectified before the ship continues its journey.
The ship operated by the company referred to by the Deputy was given a detailed port state control inspection earlier this year by officials of my Department. The inspection found several deficiencies, which the company was required to rectify prior to the vessel being allowed to re-enter service. Ireland participates in EU, IMO and ILO discussions on seafarers' welfare, supporting proposals aimed at improving their terms and conditions of employment. Ireland will continue to support efforts in all appropriate fora to enhance working conditions for seafarers and will continue to enforce safety and operational standards through the port state control framework.