[Article] Strict new safety laws for passenger boats

Victor

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Strict new safety laws for passenger boats
From:ireland.com
Thursday, 29th May, 2003

Inspectors from the Department of the Marine are to carry out spot-checks on passenger boats from this summer under new regulations to improve water safety and cut deaths at sea.

The Minister for the Marine, Mr Dermot Ahern, has also announced that certain licenced passenger boats owners must now ensure that those on board are wearing lifejackets.

"I have authorised safety inspectors to carry out random checks on passenger boats to ensure they meet safety guidelines. These spot checks will take place during the summer when such vessels carry thousands of holidaymakers," Mr Ahern said.

"In the past, there was no onus on skippers to ensure lifejackets were worn. That is all going to change."

There will be an active policy of prosecution against those who flout the new rules, the minister added.

Announcing his annual summmer water safety campaign in Dublin this morning, Mr Ahern urged those taking to the water for leisure activities this summer to take responsibility for their own safety.

"You should always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. It is vital to let someone know what time you are returning and, if you are taking a hire boat, make sure it is licensed by the authorities."

The report of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the deaths of five people who died when the Pisces vessel sank off Fethard-on-Sea last July is due to be published tomorrow.

The victims of that accident included a father, son and grandson from one family. None of those on board wore life jackets.