Consultation on a review of the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft

The Department of Transport is carrying out a review and update of the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft with a view to producing a revised edition in 2023. The Code of Practice is an important source of legislative information, safety advice and best practice operational guidance for owners, operators and users of a range of recreational craft operating in Irish coastal and inland waters. As part of the review, the department has launched a consultation process and is inviting submissions from interested parties.

The review will look at the content, structure and design of the Code of Practice, including at views on existing content, ways to improve the understanding of the content for end users, both in terms of presentation and layout, and suggestions for new content. The department is also exploring ways of increasing awareness of the existence of the Code of Practice for those who engage in recreational craft activities on the water. The department has published Marine notice No. 75 of 2022regarding the review, which includes a list of questions that might help those who wish to make a submission to the department as part of the review. A copy of the 2017 Edition of the Code of Practice and a list of updates to the Code since 2017 are below.

Interested parties are invited to make a submission to the review process by sending an email to CodeofPracticeReview2022@transport.gov.ie putting “Code of Practice RC” in the subject line. Submissions may also be sent by post to the Maritime Safety Policy Division of the Department of Transport at Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, D02 TR60.

The closing date for receipt of submissions is 5pm on 9 December 2022.

Link to 2017 edition of the Code of Practice