#MARINE NOTICE - The latest Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) outlines the standards of materials, fixtures and fittings acceptable for use on class-exempt unlicensed vessels, defined as boats carrying passengers for the purpose of angling on smooth water voyages.
The notice is supplementary to the Licensing of Passenger Boats (Exemption) Regulations 2002 and the subsequent amendment of the same year, and it supersedes the particulars of Marine Notice No 1 of 2003.
The standards outlined within require that the hull, machinery and equipment of any vessel should be properly designed, fit for its intended purpose and in good condition so as to ensure to the safety of all on board.
Guidance is provided on what is to be considered adequate, suitable and approved in relation to the hull, machinery, items, fixtures and fittings on any vessel.
Generally, any item of equipment that bears the Marine Equipment Directive Mark of Conformity is considered complying with the 2002 regulations.
The notice also provides direction on pre-departure safety checks and briefings, and defines the appropriate areas of operation for the class exemption.
Complete details for all boat builders, boat repairers, owners and users are included in Marine Notice No 27 of 2012, a PDF of which is available to read and download HERE.