Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact all commanding officers of State ships and a large proportion of Naval bridge watch-keepers hold qualifications which he does not recognise as valid for navigation and watch-keeping purposes as is allowed for under STCW95; his views on making an administrative decision to grant these persons licences in recognition of their training, professionalism and maritime experience in coastal and international waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32191/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is a party to the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Convention' on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and amongst its provisions is a requirement for parties to the Convention to communicate information to the IMO on the measures adopted to implement the Convention nationally. This information is subject to periodic scrutiny by the IMO.

The relevant EU Directive requirements are transposed into Irish law by the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 2007. In addition to the periodic auditing carried out by the IMO Ireland is also subject to inspection of its maritime education, training and certification system by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on behalf of the European Commission (EC). It is, therefore, essential that the issue of STCW Certificates of Competency to seafarers by the Marine Survey Office (MSO) in my Department be carried out strictly in accordance with the STCW regulations. Otherwise Ireland could be subject to infringement proceedings by the EC.

In order to assist Irish Naval Service personnel wishing to attain an STCW - Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Certificate of Competency (OOW), the MSO has a system in place that requires Naval Service Officers to complete six months merchant sea service and to complete an OOW course at the National Maritime College, Ringaskiddy. This scheme is designed to satisfy the requirements of the Convention. It is not possible to exempt individual candidates for STCW certification from completing all the elements of this scheme as to do so could jeopardise Ireland's compliant status at the IMO and would have severe implications for holders of Irish Certificates of Competency.