Ireland Publishes Marine Spill Response Plan
Ireland's Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport published a new plan establishing a national framework and strategy to coordinate marine pollution preparedness and response in the waters of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The National Maritime Oil & HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NMOSCP) addresses all oil and HNS pollution whether it originates from ships, harbors, offshore units or oil/HNS handling facilities and land-based sources.Additionally the NMOSCP is consistent with the relevant International Conventions to which Ireland is a party.
Safety Code Revised for Small Fishing Vessels
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has welcomed the publication by the Irish Maritime Administration in his Department of a revised Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Equipment and Operation of Small Fishing Vessels (less than 15 meters length). The Code, which was last revised in 2005, has been updated to ensure that the experiences gained from its implementation as well as relevant recommendations by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) have been incorporated. The revised Code will come into operation from 3rd March 2014. Small fishing vessels are already required to carry EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons).
Irish Coast Guard Upgrades Entire Helicopter Fleet
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar officially launched the Coast Guard’s new state-of-the-art S92 search and rescue helicopter for the Dublin region in Weston Airport. This is the fourth Sikorsky S92 helicopter base to come into operation for the Coast Guard and means all four Coast Guard bases now have upgraded helicopters. The new S92 helicopters replace the Sikorsky S61 which was in use until recently at the Coast Guard bases in Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford.
Varadkar to Overhaul Safety/Emergency Response Services
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar unveiled an Action Plan to improve Maritime Safety and Marine Emergency Response Services, including an overhaul of operations within the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Action Plan will set up a new, over-arching maritime safety section inside the Department - the Irish Maritime Administration - which will bring together the Irish Coast Guard and the Marine Survey Office. Speaking after Cabinet approved the Action Plan…
Ireland to Modernize Maritime Administration
The Irish Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey T.D., issued a release addressing the development and modernization of the Irish Maritime Administration, with emphasis on the recent assessment of marine aids to navigation around the United Kingdom and Ireland. (3/16/10). (Source: Bryant’s Maritime News)
