Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD, has today launched a new Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft.
The Code of Practice is a valuable source of information, advice and best practice operational guidance for owners, masters, operators and users of a range of pleasure and recreational craft operating in Irish coastal and inland waters. The new Code of Practice was developed following a review of a 2008 edition within the Irish Maritime Administration and two consultations with key stakeholders.
The Code of Practice is divided into two Parts followed by a series of Appendices.
Part A (Chapter 1) outlines the legislative requirements that apply to all recreational craft or specific types or size of craft. Owners and operators must comply with the requirements appropriate to their craft.
Part B (Chapters 2 to 11) contains recommended guidelines and best practice for the safe operation of a range of recreational craft including sail and motor boats, sailing dinghies, jet skis and high speed power boats, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and charter boats. Chapters 10 and 11 provide information on safety operations and emergency procedures, while a series of 11 Appendices cover such topics as radiocommunications, collision prevention, weather and sea states, lifejacket use, passage planning, buoyage and anchoring.
Similar to the Maritime Safety Strategy 2015-2019, which was published in 2015, the message that underlines the Code of Practice is the importance of personal responsibility for all those who take to the water.
Minister Ross encourages all recreational craft users to familiarise themselves with the Code of Practice and to heed the safety advice and recommendations in the Code.
“By making time for maritime safety and taking simple measures such as wearing a lifejacket, each person can contribute to saving lives, starting with their own.”
The Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft is available to download below.
