Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
679 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the new initiatives he is taking to ensure that there is a reduction in lives lost at sea and his views on the trend regarding sea deaths over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21852/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB), reported over the period 2007-11, that there were 57 fatalities both at sea and on inland waterways. The trend, based on a three year rolling average has dropped from an average of 11 fatalities per annum to an average of ten fatalities per annum over the period, with the actual figure for 2011 being seven fatalities.
Initiatives that have been undertaken to increase safety awareness include the publication of a booklet entitled the "Code of Practice for the Safe Operation for Recreational Craft" and the issuing of Marine Notices which communicate important safety information to the maritime community. Marine Notices have issued, for example, on matters relating to the carriage of inflatable life rafts on small fishing vessels, safe manning of vessels including hours of work and Marine notices updating the Code of Practice for small fishing vessels and guidance on the selection of Personal Flotation Devices (PDFs) for use on board pleasure craft are planned for later this year. The legislative basis underpinning maritime safety is also being updated to take account of the International Conventions relating to the welfare and training of Seafarers and various general aspects of maritime safety.
Other recent initiatives include investment in a new Search and Rescue helicopter programme which will result in a more effective and efficient helicopter service, upgrading the Coast Guard's road transport and small boat fleet and updating the training framework for all Coast Guard volunteers. In addition, a new Integrated Communication System (ICS), which is operational at the new National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) in Dublin will be installed at Malin by mid-2012, and at MRSC Valentia possibly by year end.
