Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself regarding the application of health and safety regulations for all vessels, commercial or recreational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13885/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously advised the House, standards for all commercial seagoing vessels are developed and adopted at international level. These standards cover issues including health and safety at an operational level on board vessels.
Under Irish and international law all vessels trading into and out of Irish ports are required to carry the appropriate certification to demonstrate compliance with International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation requirements. A convention relevant to the health and safety aspect is the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or STCW convention. All crew on board a vessel must have proper certification to ensure they are suitably trained and can adequately and safely discharge the duties of the positions they hold. The surveyors attached to the maritime safety directorate of my Department conduct regular inspections of all seagoing vessels, under the flag state and port state control inspection regimes, to ensure compliance with the relevant conventions and regulations.
Recreational vessels are not currently subject to a regulatory regime. As I have advised the House on previous occasions, my Department has been developing a registration system for small craft and a code of practice for the safe operation of recreational craft to address the safety issues associated with such vessels. The safety code for recreational craft, together with the small vessels register, will address the safety issues associated with the operation of recreational craft in Irish waters.
