Written answers

Thursday, 6 March 2008

5:00 pm

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 23: To ask the Minister for Transport the recommendations made to his Department by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board for each year since 2000; if each such recommendation has been put into effect; if not the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9715/08]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) was established on 5 June 2002. Since its establishment the MCIB has published 74 reports, which contain approximately 300 recommendations. These recommendations have made a significant contribution to the development of a range of maritime safety measures.

The measures cover safety at sea for all those who venture on to the water, most particularly for those seafarers and others who earn their living from domestic waters, whether by coastal trade or fishing or when engaging in various leisure activities. In relation to fishing vessels a safety regime was put in place for all fishing vessels over 24 metres in length by the introduction, in August 2002, of the Fishing Vessel (Safety Provisions) Regulations 2002. A Safety Code of Practice was introduced in 2004 for fishing vessels less than 15 metres in length. The Merchant Shipping (Fishing Vessel) (15-24 metres) Regulations came into effect for new vessels on 1 October 2007. This represents a phased approach aimed at improving safety measures across all categories of fishing vessels.

For the leisure sector new measures have centred on lifejackets, licensing requirements, enforcement and increased safety awareness. New regulations in relation to the wearing of lifejackets were introduced in June 2004. The Regulations contain national requirements governing all types of pleasure craft relating to the carrying and wearing of lifejackets, age restrictions on the operation of pleasure craft including personal watercraft and controls on the use of alcohol and drugs while operating such craft.

It is now compulsory for all children up to the age of 16 years to wear a life jacket/personal flotation device (PFD) while on board a pleasure craft and for everyone on board small pleasure craft, under 7 metres, to wear a lifejacket/PFD. All passenger boats are required to have a licence with effect from 1st January 2003 and passenger boat manning regulations came into force from 1st April 2006. The latter regulations introduced competency requirements for masters of passenger boats. There has been a crackdown on non-compliance by passenger boat safety involving a campaign of random spot checks over the last number of summers. Closer liaison with the Garda Síochána and an active policy of prosecution for offenders is also being pursued.

A safety awareness campaign was launched as part of an ongoing programme being promoted by the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration. The campaign involves amongst other things, a series of radio and on-line safety awareness advertisements and intensified targeted publicity campaigns over the summer months. Where measures have not yet been implemented they continue provide an input into the ongoing development of the maritime safety agenda.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.