The Government today advanced a deadline for the introduction of new regulations to control the use of small passenger boats.
From the beginning of next year all passenger craft operating off the Irish coastline will need a specially-issued licence.
The new system had been due to be implemented from next June, but the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Mr Dermot Ahern, confirmed today that from January every boat carrying fare-paying passengers would require a licence and have to comply with stricter regulations.
Mr Ahern pledged new laws earlier this year after a number of fatalities involving small craft. In the most recent, five people, one a 14-year-old boy, were drowned when their boat sank off Fethard-on-Sea, Co Wexford, soon after the start of a family fishing trip.
The minister warned: "Any person found operating illegally after January 1 will be subject to the full rigours of the law.
"The overall result will be a safer regime, where the public have a right and expectation to know that the boat they are on complies with safety standards."
Boats seeking licence will have to undergo inspections of safety measures and procedures by marine surveyors.
Mr Ahern also revealed that his department would be organising a series of information seminars aimed at both promoting safety awareness and publicising the new arrangements.
He said: "The seminars are being organised to ensure that vessel owners and operators have comprehensive information and advice to hand on what will be required under the regulations.
"My primary concern now is to put in place a regime of regulation, enforcement and public awareness, which will end the dreadful cycle of avoidable tragedies in our waters."
PA