Ireland’s training and certification system for fishing vessel personnel is set out in the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck officers and Engineer officers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 313 of 2023) which applies to fishers serving aboard fishing vessels that are 15m in length overall and over. The Department of Transport issued Marine Notice No. 41 of 2023 that sets out the details and the effect of these regulations. Additionally, the Merchant Shipping (Musters) (Fishing Vessels) Regulations, 1993 (S.I. No. 48 of 1993) applies to fishing vessels of 16.5m and above in length and provides for the holding of regular musters, the preparation for emergencies, the regular inspection and maintenance of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment and the recording of particulars of each in vessels' logbook. The Department has published the Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Equipment and Operation of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall which sets out the manning, training and certification requirements including radio communications, musters, and drills for such vessels. Additionally, the European Union (International Labour Organisation Work in Fishing Convention) (Safe Manning) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 52 of 2024) sets out the language requirements on-board vessels including the use of a common language.
Irish flagged fishing vessels are subject to a regular survey and inspection regime and issued with certification documenting compliance. Additionally, they are also subject to inspections to ensure on-going compliance.
