Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004
195 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason persons (details supplied) are not acceptable as boat engineers and motormen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27503/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe surveying staff attached to the maritime safety directorate of the Department issues certificates of competency as engineer officers on mercantile marine vessels and fishing vessels, boat engineers. Ireland also authorises the issue of certificates as engine room watch ratings, motormen.
Ireland recognises all mercantile marine certificates of competency issued in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, STCW, by EU member states and by certain other Administrations with which it has reciprocal agreements. In accordance with the convention, Ireland issues certificates of equivalent competency to those seafarers, duly qualified, who wish to serve on Irish merchant ships.
In accordance with the regulations, certificates of equivalent competency are valid for service only on Irish merchant ships. The regulations relating to certificates of competency do not apply to fishing vessels.
In regard to fishing vessels, Ireland recognises fishing vessel certificates of competency issued by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by virtue of a ministerial order.
Certificates of equivalent competency are not issued in respect of deck or engine room rating certificates. A company may, however, apply to the maritime safety directorate to be approved to issue such certificates to ratings serving on Irish ships.
Applications have been received in respect of the two named individuals for the issue of Irish class three fishing vessels certificates of competency. These applications are currently being considered by my Department for compliance with the exam directions for certificates of competency for fishing vessels in respect of initial training requirements.
