James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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696. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is compulsory for all boat users to complete a course and test in order to be provided with a licence to take to the water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3801/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​I take it that the Deputy is referring primarily to the owners and users of pleasure craft.  There are no current requirements for such owners and users to complete a course of instruction or hold a licence to operate such craft.  However, it is recommended that a person taking to the water should undertake appropriate training for the type of craft being used.  As outlined in the Maritime Safety Strategy 2015 -2019, regulation of recreational craft in Ireland is focused on the safe operation of craft, the provision of certain items of safety equipment, the carriage and use of personal flotation devices (lifejackets/buoyancy aids), and the manufacture and sale of safe recreational craft under the EU Recreational Craft and Personal Watercraft Directive.  My Department promotes maritime safety awareness on an ongoing basis through Marine Notices, advice, guidance, safety publications and leaflets.  A Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft has been published by my Department and provides information on the legislation governing recreational craft as well as offering practical safety advice. Those engaged in leisure pursuits on the water are encouraged to be aware of and familiar with the contents of the Code of Practice and to comply with the safety requirements.  The Code of Practice, which is currently under review, is available free of charge from my Department and is also available to view or download from the Department's website www.dttas.ie or www.safetyonthewater.ie. As regards the licensed, commercial passenger boat sector (i.e. vessels that carry no more than twelve passengers), there are certain specific requirements.  In particular,  a vessel may not be used as a passenger boat without a valid licence, and manning requirements are provided for in the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat Manning) Regulations 2005 (S.I. Number 649 of 2005) and as set out in Marine Notice Number 27 of 2005, which requires certification of the masters of such boats (and their crew in certain instances).

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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697. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is compulsory for all pleasure craft users to wear life jackets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3802/17]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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702. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the need for all pleasure craft users regardless of age to wear a lifejacket; and his plans to improve safety in use of pleasure crafts. [4058/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 697 and 702 together.

The requirements in relation to the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices (lifejackets/buoyancy aids) on pleasure craft are set out in the Pleasure Craft Regulations of 2005 (S.I. No. 921 of 2005), as amended by S.I. No. 349 of 2012.

The master or owner of a pleasure craft must ensure that there are sufficient suitable Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) available at all times on board the craft for each person on board.  The regulations also set out provisions relating to the wearing of PFDs.   

There are certain exceptions for where the craft is being used for rescue, emergency or law enforcement, and for rowers in boats which are designed and specifically used in boat races or other events.  Failure to comply with the PFD requirements is an offence.

While not a requirement of the regulations, my Department recommends that (i) anyone using a pleasure craft alone should wear a PFD at all times regardless of weather conditions, the size of the craft or whether it is made fast to the shore or at anchor, and (ii) persons should wear lifejackets at all times while on open decked vessels over 7 metres length that are not fitted with inherent buoyancy.

There are no plans to revise the PFD regulations in relation to pleasure craft.  The provisions relating to wearing PFD on pleasure craft of less than 7 metres length include all the high risk classes of craft such as dinghies, jet skis, open sail boats, small motor boats, etc.  Pleasure craft of 7 metres length and greater generally offer improved safety and stability features.  The requirement to wear a PFD by a person under 16, regardless of the length of the craft, contributes to the education of those using pleasure craft from an early age.