Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Maritime Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021

Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Ceisteanna (86, 88, 89)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

86. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there is standardisation in terms of training and professional standards for marine pilots that operate in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9431/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

88. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the way in which Ireland is ensuring best training procedure and professional standards as set out in the International Maritime Organisation A960 relating to marine pilotage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9433/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

89. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to update the Harbours Acts to provide for standardisation of marine pilotage in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9434/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 88 and 89 together.

In Ireland, the requirements in relation to pilotage and pilot training in each port will differ based on their individual needs. Under the Harbours Acts 1996 to 2015, the ports are the pilotage authorities for their respective pilotage districts and it is a matter for individual ports to decide what is appropriate in terms of training and procedures for marine pilots within their respective areas of authority. Pilots or licensed contractors who provide pilotage services are required to meet these standards. For those reasons the Department of Transport does not set standards for the training or licensing of marine pilots and on that basis, I do not plan to introduce any changes to the Harbours Acts regarding standardisation of marine pilotage.

Regarding the recommendations on training and certification set out in IMO Resolution A.960 in relation to marine pilotage, the Marine Survey Office has advised that these are recommendations and are not binding. As already indicated, it is a matter for ports to determine appropriate training standards for pilots within their respective areas of authority.

Barr
Roinn