Ireland's small craft registration system is "simply not fit for purpose", according to Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle, the Seanad Spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, who has called for a simpler and more efficient process for recreational boat owners.
Raising the issue in the Seanad, the Donegal senator said lengthy delays, excessive paperwork and bureaucracy are discouraging owners from registering boats in Ireland. He claimed some are instead choosing to register their vessels in other European Union countries, including Poland.
Registration is essential for many vessels travelling internationally and between ports. Boyle said the current process, administered by the Marine Survey Office (MSO), places unnecessary demands on owners of recreational craft by applying requirements more appropriate to large commercial ships.
"In some cases, owners have been asked to provide an unbroken chain of ownership dating back decades, which is simply impossible for many older boats," Boyle told the Seanad.
He said he had spoken to a number of small craft owners who described the registration process as so difficult that many had decided to register their boats overseas.
"I'm asking the Minister to explain why this situation has arisen and what action will be taken to introduce a straightforward and effective registration system for small craft boats," Boyle said.
In a statement accompanying a video of his Seanad contribution, Boyle said the existing system was failing recreational boat owners.
"Last week I raised the issue of small craft registration because the current system is simply not fit for purpose," he said.
"Lengthy delays, unnecessary bureaucracy and excessive paperwork are forcing some owners to register their Irish boats in other EU countries just to get on the water. That shouldn't be happening."
Boyle said Ireland needed "a registration system that is efficient, practical and works for recreational boat owners".
He added that he had called on the Minister to address the delays and introduce a simpler registration process "so Irish boats can proudly sail under the Irish flag".
The issue has become an increasing concern among owners of yachts, motor cruisers and other recreational craft requiring Irish boat registration for international cruising. Complaints have centred on processing times, documentation requirements and requests to provide historic ownership records for older vessels.
