Published by the Department of Transport, the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft is an essential resource for anyone using the water for leisure. It provides practical safety information, advice, and best practice guidance for owners, operators and users across a wide range of craft operating in Irish coastal and inland waters.
The Code covers a broad spectrum of activities, including sailing craft, motorboats, angling boats, personal watercraft such as jet skis, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers, foiling and kitesurfing craft, as well as non-powered vessels.
A key feature of the document is the “Think and Prepare” safety checklists, designed to help users plan ahead before going afloat. These encourage individuals to consider their activity in advance, ensure they have appropriate training and safety equipment, and understand what actions to take in an emergency.
The Code is structured in a clear and practical format. It begins with a general introduction and safety checklists, followed by Part A outlining the legal requirements applicable to different types of craft. Part B provides recommended guidelines and best practice for safe operation. Additional appendices cover important topics such as radiocommunications, collision prevention, weather, lifejackets, passage planning, buoyage and anchoring.
The Code of Practice is available free of charge to download or can be collected in hard copy from the Irish Sailing office.
For further information, please contact Stephen O’Shaughnessy at stephen.oshaughnessy@sailing.ie.