Dangers at sea are as real and life-threatening as dangers on land. Just as motorists are required to keep their vehicles in good working order and to use seat belts, so too the skippers of boats have a responsibility of care to their passengers.
To coincide with National Water Safety Week, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern, yesterday drew attention to new rules and regulations governing the passenger boats used by tourists and anglers. He announced that a campaign of random spot checks will be conducted by staff from the Maritime Safety Directorate during the summer months to ensure the laws are obeyed.
It is about time that safety at sea was treated with the seriousness it deserves. For decades, lip-service was paid to the issue. Only in the aftermath of tragedy did officialdom and boat owners consider their responsibilities. Change and the introduction of safety precautions took place slowly. But, at this stage, nobody can plead ignorance of what is required. Laws are in place to ensure that life rafts and other items of equipment are available on board passenger boats so that lives will not be needlessly lost. Responsibilities have been placed on boat owners.
The need for such precautionary measures will be emphasised by a report, due to be published today by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the tragic drowning of five sea anglers off Fethard-on-Sea, Co. Wexford, last July, when the fishing boat "Pisces" sank in thick fog. In a separate development, the Maritime Safety Directorate is considering whether all pleasure boat users should be required to wear life jackets as a matter of course. Casual, even ignorant, behaviour afloat has become an issue as a greater number of people purchase pleasure craft.
Passenger boat owners have complained about the high cost of safety equipment and have sought Government assistance. The expense can be considerable, particularly for those boat owners in isolated coastal areas who provide a service for a limited tourist season and few visitors. At the same time, the safety of visitors and anglers must be paramount. In those circumstances, the Government should consider the introduction of a zero VAT rate for life jackets and other safety equipment as its contribution to safety on the water. The existing VAT rate of 21 per cent is unconscionable, given the consequences that could flow from a failure to provide such equipment.
In colloquial terms, the Coalition Government has an opportunity to put its money where its mouth is and to make life-saving equipment more affordable for all.