Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 March 2018
261. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an alternative engineering certification in respect of a boat (details supplied) in County Kerry can be accepted in respect of a P5 licence certification application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13507/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from the Marine Survey Office that the vessel in question does not comply with the specific requirements for hull construction for a new P5 passenger boat as set out in Reg. 9 (2) (a) of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat Regulations), 2002. It is defined as a “new” passenger boat under the relevant Regulation.
The relevant clause in the Regulation (9 (2) (a)) reads as follows:
"the hull of every new vessel shall be constructed in such manner as is considered appropriate by the Minister. The Minister may accept a hull where the scantlings, quality of materials and workmanship used, are in accordance with the relevant requirements of a recognised organisation such as an Irish Loadline Assigning Authority. Evidence will be required to show that the hull was constructed in a manner acceptable to the Minister. This may take the form of survey under construction by a surveyor, appointed by the Minister, a construction certificate issued by another administration acceptable to the Minister, a construction certificate issued by a recognised organisation or other documentation acceptable to the Minister".
I am informed that no evidence as stipulated above has been presented. Also, there is no equivalence available for “new” P5 passenger boats which have been constructed in glass reinforced plastic therefore an alternative engineering certification cannot be accepted.
