Marine Notice No. 07 of 2009
For the attention of Passenger Vessel Operators, Passenger Boat Operators, Skippers , Harbour Authorities, Race organisers and Recreational Craft owners
The Volvo Ocean Race is due a stop over visit at the port of Galway between May 23rd and June 6th 2009. The stop over will include a number of water based events, including two coastal races involving the Volvo Race fleet.
It is expected the event will attract significant numbers, including a large fleet of spectator boats and sight seeing charter vessels to the area.
The Marine Survey Office (MSO), which is the national authority responsible for regulating maritime safety, wishes to bring the following to the attention of those organising, participating in or attending the Volvo Ocean Race.
Passenger Vessel / Passenger Boat Operators
1. All vessels carrying passengers must be in possession of current passenger vessel certificates, or passenger boat licences, issued by the MSO.
2. Only those vessels in possession of plying limits specifically listing Galway as a point of departure may operate during this event.
3. Owners of vessels located outside the Galway Bay region may operate during the event, but must have applied to the Chief Surveyor for, and been granted, a temporary change of operating plying limits.
The approval of such temporary changes to plying limits for the duration of this event will be based on anticipated demand and the availability of suitable landing and berthing facilities in the Port.
Applications for change of plying limits should be addressed to the Chief Surveyor, Marine Survey Office, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2. Applications should be made as soon as possible and preferably by May 1st 2009 to ensure sufficient time to deal with applications.
4. Passenger vessels operating a tender service to craft moored in the anchorage must have a valid approved Tender Safety operation plan approved by the MSO. Applications should be made as soon as possible and preferably by May 1st 2009 to ensure sufficient time to deal with applications.
5. Vessel operators should carefully examine the terms of their certification and be aware of any existing operational restrictions imposed on their craft, e.g. not permitted to operate after sunset.
6. Passenger vessels and Passenger boats may be subject to inspection by MSO Authorised Officers and Garda personnel during the event. Craft engaged in carrying passengers without suitable licences or certificates are liable to detention. Vessels inspected and found in breach of the above may be liable for prosecution under existing Merchant Shipping legislation.
Recreational Craft
7. A significant number of recreational craft are expected to attend the event, the majority will be based on moorings offshore and provided with a tendering service ashore by the organisers. Skippers should be aware of the dangers associated with transferring of crew between moored craft and tenders and take suitable precautions.
General
8. The organisers have produced an approved water activities safety plan, involving the marshalling and control of spectator craft during the coastal race events. Skippers and crew must comply with organisers’ instructions and in addition be aware of their obligations to comply with existing Maritime legislation, namely:
∑ Collision Regulations (Ships and Water Craft on The Water) Order, 1984 (as amended) : S.I. No. 29 of 1984; S.I. No. 36 of 1990; S.I. No. 287 of 1993; S.I. No. 47 of 2005 – for International regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea.
∑ Pleasure Craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation)(Safety) Regulations, 2005: S.I. No. 921 of 2005 – for lifejacket requirements for recreational craft.
∑ Maritime Safety Act 2005 – for prevention of reckless or dangerous behaviour involving vessels and recreational craft.
Director General,
Maritime Safety Directorate,
Department of Transport,
Leeson Lane,
Dublin 2.
25/02/2009
