The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a marine safety directorate which will co-ordinate all aspects of safety at sea.
The new directorate is expected to be set up before the end of the year within the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, but there will be emphasis on devolution. The Cabinet has approved a new assistant secretary-grade post to head the directorate. The job is expected to be advertised soon.
Staff will also be recruited, and it is expected that the Marine Survey Office will merge within the new body. The Irish Coast Guard is being reviewed by consultants Deloitte and Touche. The findings of their study will determine the role of that agency within the new structure, or as a separate statutory agency. The Coast Guard also holds responsibility for safety on inland waterways.
The directorate is identified as one of the sectoral policy goals to be fulfilled by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in its new strategy statement for 2001 to 2003.
The Department is the State's regulatory authority for marine safety, co-ordinating the emergency response, and providing information and communication networks.
The strategy document notes that marine safety policy and "service delivery" must adapt to a rapidly changing environment in which the volume and complexity of activity at sea are growing, and the international legal framework continues to develop.
"Improved structures, increased regionalisation and increased resources are needed to meet these demands, and to address the extension of the Irish Coast Guard to include inland and mountain-rescue functions," it says.
A "realignment" of safety functions for the marine leisure sector is also required, so that they are discharged as an integral element of overall marine safety policy, it adds. Coastal zone management is also identified as a goal.
Last year was the worst in a decade for fishing-vessel accidents, while there has also been an increase in fatalities associated with marine leisure.
Earlier this summer the Chartered Institute of Transport called on the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, to instigate a review of safety regulations within his jurisdiction and, if necessary, to consider the introduction of legislation compelling all engaged in boating activities to have a minimum standard of competence, possibly issued in the form of a certificate or "licence".
The first in a series of initiatives to improve safety was taken when the use of jet-skis and powerboats by people under 16 was banned. Those under 16 must also wear lifejackets in "mechanically propelled" pleasure craft, and there must be sufficient personal flotation devices or lifejackets on board.
On-the-spot fines have been provided for in the regulations, but lack of resources to police the new laws is regarded as a weakness.
In the current Budget just over £18 million is allocated to safety.
