The Government has approved the drafting of new legislation aimed at strengthening Ireland's maritime safety laws, improving protections for fishers and enhancing environmental safeguards at sea.
Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Seán Canney announced publication of the General Scheme of the Merchant Shipping (International Conventions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, which will now be drafted into legislation.
The proposed Bill would allow Ireland to ratify five major international maritime conventions while ensuring compliance with updated European Union obligations that take effect in 2027.
The measures include stronger protections for fishing vessel crews, international recognition of qualifications for fishing personnel, new rules supporting environmentally responsible ship recycling and a legal framework for dealing with hazardous wrecks.
Minister O'Brien said the legislation represented "another important step in strengthening Ireland's maritime legislative framework".
"By enabling the ratification and implementation of key international conventions, this legislation will enhance maritime safety, support environmental protection and ensure Ireland continues to meet its European and international obligations," he said.
Minister Canney said the proposals would strengthen safety standards across the maritime sector.
"The proposed measures will strengthen protections for fishing vessel personnel, improve safety at sea, support environmentally responsible ship recycling, and strengthen Ireland's framework for dealing with maritime wrecks that pose a risk to navigational safety or the marine environment," he said.
Five International Conventions
The General Scheme provides for Ireland to ratify five international conventions that have not previously been adopted by the State.
These include the International Labour Organisation's Work in Fishing Convention, 2007, alongside four International Maritime Organisation agreements covering fishing vessel training standards, fishing vessel safety, ship recycling and the removal of hazardous wrecks.
Two of the conventions — the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling and the Nairobi Convention on wreck removal — are required to meet revised EU Port State Control rules due to come into force on 6 July 2027.
Fishing Vessel Standards
The legislation also supports ratification of the STCW-F Convention on training and certification for fishing vessel personnel and the Cape Town Agreement, which establishes international minimum safety standards for fishing vessels.
The Department of Transport said Ireland already applies higher safety standards through existing EU legislation and will continue to do so after joining the Cape Town Agreement.
The Bill also updates existing Irish maritime legislation, including the Merchant Shipping Acts, the Maritime Safety Act and the Harbours Acts, to reflect revised EU Flag State requirements and introduce technical amendments.
