New training regulations for passenger boat skippers
04/11/2005 - 12:50:26Skippers of passenger boats will have to undergo appropriate training and testing to operate a passenger boat under new regulations announced today.
The new regulations, which are titled Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat Manning) Regulations 2005, require that by April 1 next year, skippers of passenger boats must hold a valid certificate and a commercial endorsement.
"This is a key initiative in the area of passenger boat safety and builds on the regulations which were introduced in 2002 setting down standards for the construction of, and safety equipment to be carried on such boats," Minister for the Marines Pat the Cope Gallagher said.
