David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 448: To ask the Minister for Transport further to the Merchant Shipping Passenger Boat Manning Regulations 2005 his plans to bring forward further specified standards or syllabi; the progress in introducing a boatman's licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Transport further to the Merchant Shipping Passenger Boat Manning Regulations 2005 if he has satisfied himself that the regulations and proposed certification take into account the needs of commercial/work boat operators; his plans to add to the list of appointed organisations under the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6697/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 448 and 449 together.

The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat) Regulations 2005 were signed into law last October and will come into effect on 1 April 2006. The regulations require all skippers of passenger boats to hold a valid certificate for the appropriate class of vessel and a commercial endorsement verifying that the skipper has attained the standard specified in marine notice 27 of 2005 in respect of personal survival techniques, first aid and medical fitness. I have no proposals to add to the standards in the marine notice at this time. I have appointed the Irish Sailing Association as an appointed body for the purpose of issuing certificates and commercial endorsements under the regulations. In addition to the appointment of the ISA, agreement has now been reached with BIM and the National Maritime College of Ireland to appoint both organisations under the regulations subject to approval by the Further Education and Training Awards Council.

This is a key initiative in my Department's ongoing safety programme and builds on the regulations that were introduced in 2002 setting down standards for the construction of, and safety equipment to be carried on passenger boats. The regulations have been introduced following a consultation process with interested parties. They also address one of the recommendations in the report of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the loss of the Pisces at Fethard-on-Sea in July 2002 when five people lost their lives.

I am confident that the introduction of these new regulations, as they stand, will enhance safety and will offer assurance to the public that when they pay to be carried on a passenger boat that those in charge of the vessel are appropriately trained and certified.