The Maritime Safety Act 2005 establishes a framework for maritime safety in Ireland, covering personal watercraft, recreational craft, passenger boats, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and other vessels operating in Irish waters. The Act authorises local authorities, harbour authorities and Waterways Ireland to regulate the use of powered recreational craft through bye-laws addressing navigation, speed limits, safety, nuisance prevention and the protection of natural and heritage sites. It creates enforcement powers including inspections, seizure of craft, arrest powers, fixed payment notices and penalties for unsafe operation, while also providing for restrictions on persons repeatedly convicted of maritime safety offences. The Act introduces broad maritime safety provisions prohibiting the operation of unseaworthy vessels, careless or dangerous navigation, conduct endangering vessels or persons, obstruction of ports and harbours, and the operation of vessels while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It regulates behaviour on vessels, establishes offences relating to disruptive conduct and endangerment of passengers and crew, and authorises intervention measures to move, restrain or control vessels where required for safety, marine security, environmental protection or navigation. The legislation also requires weight verification of certain goods vehicles before loading onto ships and enables the Minister to issue codes of practice and regulations concerning vessel operation, safety standards and mandatory nautical publications. The Act updates penalty regimes.
Ирландия · 2005-06-29