Life jackets in Ireland ?

[IanGB]

I read somewhere that regulations were to be introduced in the Republic of Ireland requiring lifejackets to be worn at all times ? - does anyone know if this was just talk / a proposal or was a regulation introduced ?

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[StugeronSteve]

I believe the regulations are either in force, or approved and ready to come in to force. I sure I have read that the RNLI are supporting a similar law over here.

<hr width=100% size=1>Semper Bufo

 

[Rigger]

As I understand it,the regulations state that life jackets must be worn at all times
1)by children under 16
2)On open boats. jet skis etc
3)on boats with cabins/cuddies less than 21' when out on deck.
Difficult thing to police and who carries ultimate blame?

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[Robin]

As so often is the case something which seems so sensible at first glance, in practice can have some silly implications;-

We swim/snorkel from our tender, at what time would it be permissable to remove the compulsory lifejacket - just before hitting the water?

If there is a water taxi (like Yarmouth IOW), does everyone have to wear a lifejacket?

If there are cross river ferries (like the rowing one across Weymouth Harbour) does everone have to wear a lifejacket?

Is the cockpit 'on deck' or only the bit ahead of a cuddy?

Will people using plastic 'fun boats' off the beach (often the most vulnerable to risk IMO) be required to wear lifejackets?

Does it apply to sailboards?

They apparently don't care about people fishing from rocks, in fast flowing streams etc?

Statistics one time (may still) showed that more people drowned in their cars than from boats, perhaps cars should carry liferafts?

Whatever happened to commonsense and an insinct for self preservation?

Robin

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>

 

[axismatt]

These regs are in force and are referred to in the home pae article on Cork Week day 3. I believe that all adults are required to wear them on boats of 7m or less over 7m and there has to be a life jacktet on baord for every person. The issue has come up as there are a number of Ribs supporting the racing yachts and many of the occupents are not complying with the regs.

I agree with Robins post it does seem a little hard to Police and as he aludes to there do seem to be some grey areas. All though we often hear of accidents taking place when crew are in transit by tender.

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[SilverBreeze]

The Irish Sailing Association has everything you need to know at

http://www.sailing.ie/news/newsdetails.asp?Id=122

and at
http://www.sailing.ie/inside/default.asp?Pageid=48

Keep in mind Ireland has a small population, and everybody knows everyone else.
Though drownings from boats are small in number, many of us will have known a victim. We don't like to speak ill of the dead in this country, but I'm annoyed with a friend who drowned when he got bounced out of his RIB. Had he been wearing a lifejacket, I would still be buying him pints.

Yes, the legislation will be difficult to police, and yes it will be ignored by some.
But god help you if you are involved in an accident or incident and not in compliance.

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[ribrunt]

In addition, the full legislation is available from www.marine.gov.ie . It refers to swimmers and scuba divers - as the earlier poster was concerned about.IMHO they went a little short and did not force PFDs on undecked fast powercraft over 7m too!!!

Enforcement is currently being carried out by CG Unit afloat - they have taken people to task for it - requesting them to return to the shore and correct the deficiencies. Fines will follow soon.


Cheers

Ribrunt.

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[JonBrooks]

Having just returned from Ireland ( Cork Week) and having chatted to the CG head out there it is inforce for all of the above mentioned groups.
They were in and around Cork offering advice and fines.
The fine stands at 127 euro's.
I asked why this amount? the answer is this is equal to 100 old Irish pounds.

Reards

<hr width=100% size=1>Jon Brooks
Marine Dealer Manager
Icom UK Ltd.
01227 741741

 

[pragmatist]

They've obviously retained some of their charm !

<hr width=100% size=1>a pragmatist is an optimist with a boat in the UK

 

[bruce]

only during two for one happy hour down at the local pub...

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