Afloat.ie has learned that the Department of Transport is reaching out to stakeholders in the marine sector as it begins the process to review the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft.
The latest edition of the Code of Practice was published in 2017 and the department says it is now starting a review process to take into account legislative and other developments in recent years.
The Code of Practice provides information on the legislation that applies to recreational craft, as well as safety information, advice and best-practice guidance for owners, operators and users of a range of recreational craft operating in Irish coastal and inland waters.
It’s proposed that the review will look at the content, structure and design of the Code, including at ways to improve the understanding of the content for end users, both in terms of presentation and layout.
In line with a Core Objective of the 2021-2025 Irish Maritime Directorate Strategy, to “Enhance Maritime Safety”, the department is also exploring ways of increasing awareness of the existence of the Code of Practice and invites suggestions in that regard.
The department has prepared a list of questions that is is distributing to stakeholders to encourage their input, and submissions are due by close of business on Wednesday 30 November.
Update 5 November: The Department of Transport has published a Marine Notice announcing the public consultation with an appendix providing more details.
