As the summer boating season approaches its height, the Department of Transport has issued a reminder to all masters, owners and users of pleasure vessels and recreational craft to familiarise themselves with the 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 a range of pleasure and recreational craft operating in Irish coastal and inland waters.
It highlights the importance of personal responsibility for all those who take to the water. Each person must take maritime safety seriously, prepare and plan for a safe trip, behave responsibly on the water and be properly equipped so as to be able to respond to any incidents that may arise.
Contained within it is information on legislative requirements, safe operation and advice on best practice when using a range of recreational craft including:
- Sail and motor boats
- Sailing dinghies
- Personal watercraft (jetskis)
- Powerboats
- Canoes and kayaks
- Rowing boats
- Charter boats
- Ski boats and dive boats
- Windsurfing boards, stand-up paddle boards and other non-powered craft
The Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft is available as a free download from Gov.ie and can also be requested in hard copy, in both English and Irish, from [email protected] or 01 678 3434.
Owners and operators of recreational craft should familiarise themselves with Part A of the Code, the particular chapter in Part B appropriate to their type of vessel, as well as chapters 10, 11 and the appendices.
Further details can be found in Marine Notice No 40 of 2021, which can be downloaded below.
