Safe Operation of Recreational Craft

Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft – New 2024 Edition

A revised and updated edition of the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft has been published by the Department of Transport. 

The Code of Practice contains a General Introduction and a number of new Safety Checklists, followed by two parts and a series of Appendices.

Part A – Chapter 1 outlines the legislative requirements that apply to all recreational craft or to specific types or size of craft. Owners and operators must comply with the legal requirements appropriate to their craft

Part B – Chapters 2 to 11 contain recommended guidelines and best practice information for the safe operation of a range of recreational craft. Chapters 10 and 11 provide safety guidance applicable to recreational craft generally.

Appendices - covering such topics as radiocommunications, collision prevention, weather and sea states, lifejacket guidance, passage planning, buoyage and anchoring.

The Code of Practice also includes “Think and Prepare” Safety Checklists which has been developed to provoke thought and to assist recreational craft users in their preparations before going out on the water. These cover basic requirements and advice as well as subjects like the identification and assessment of hazards and risks, fatigue, letting the Coast Guard know about each trip and an information template for shore-based contact persons.

The Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft is available to view or download in PDF format, in both English and Irish, on the Departments website at www.gov.ie/transport  and on www.safetyonthewater.ie

Copies free of charge can also be requested from the Maritime Safety Policy Division of the Department of Transport at marineleisuresafety@transport.gov.ie or telephone (01) 6783434.