Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to meet the concerns of the East Waterford Lobster Co-operative Society Limited regarding cases of ill health with fishermen boat owners under the code of practice for vessels below ten metres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20679/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the Fishing Vessel (Basic Safety Training) Regulations, SI 587 of 2001, all crew members of fishing vessels must undertake basic safety training consisting of personal survival techniques, elementary first aid and fire prevention, health and safety training. However, the dates for the completion of a basic safety training course depend on whether the person is a new entrant or a serving crew member. For serving crew members, the application date depends on his or her date of birth and could be as late as March 2008.

The regulations do not apply to crew members who can provide evidence of having completed approved training in personal survival techniques, first aid and fire-fighting required for fishing vessel officer certificates of competency issued under the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck Officer and Engineer Officers) Regulations 1988, SI 289 of 1988. The code of practice for fishing vessels under 15 metres is simply reminding fishermen of those relevant legal requirements.

Should the person in question require clarification with regard to his own individual circumstances and the applicability of the code of practice or specific statutory safety requirements referred to in the code, the Department's marine survey office will be happy to assist him. Equally, if he has concerns about the application of licensing, registration and tonnage policy in his particular case, officers from the licensing authority for sea fishing boats in the Department are available to discuss those concerns with him.