General Safety on the Water including Fire Safety on vessels

As we embark on another busy season on the water, Waterways Ireland would like to extend some guidance based on previous accidents which have occurred along our waterways in recent years.

Lifejackets/Personal Flotation devices

Lifejackets are critical items of personal protective equipment. Wearing a lifejacket could save your life.

Bye Law No.34 of the Shannon Navigation states:

34. (1) A boat shall carry a personal flotation device for each person on board and a vessel or passenger boat shall carry a personal flotation device for each person on board and one life belt.

Bye Law No 5. (d) of the Canal Bye Laws states:

5. The master, owner or person in charge of a vessel or boat used on the canals shall ensure that the vessel or boat is equipped with: (d) a sufficient number of life buoys and life jackets for all those on board.

An accidental fall into an inland waterway could be fatal to the master of the vessel or to passengers on board. Waterways Ireland would like to remind those on the water to wear a life jacket and wear it correctly ensuring crotch straps are fitted.

Fire Safety

At this time of year boat users may be wishing to carry out maintenance on their vessels prior to the year ahead. Waterways Ireland would like to offer some guidance to protect the boat users and the general public, as follows:

  1. Maintenance should only be carried out at locations suitable for the type of work being undertaken, ensuring there is no pollution or risk to self or others.
  2. Ensure that Fire Extinguishers are kept on board, and that those aboard know how to those them
  3. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are life saving devices and should be fitted inside vessels.
  4. Take due care and attention when using flammable or explosive material such as petrol or gas.
  5. Know your Fire Escape route.
  6. Dial 999/112 in the event of Emergencies.

Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their co-operation in relation to this matter and we wish you a safe boating season for 2024 and beyond.

P Harkin

Inspector of Navigation

22 March 2024

Marine Notice No 25 of 2024

“Waterways Ireland, managing and promoting the inland waterways for the benefit of all…”