This Marine Notice Supersedes Marine Notice No. 11 of 2005

Survey vessels of many different types operate within Irish territorial waters. All mariners are requested to give a wide berth to survey vessels when the latter are exhibiting shapes and/or light signals indicating that they are "restricted in their ability to manoeuvre" or are engaged in submarine work.

The Department of Transport wishes to draw the attention of all concerned to Rule 5 of the International Collision Regulations which requires that a proper lookout is maintained at all times.

Mariners are reminded that: -

(a)  seismic vessels may have detector cables up to many miles long from the stern of the vessel and should be given a wide berth,

(b)  some fishing survey vessels at times anchor at both bow and stern,

(c)  other types of survey vessels may have divers down.

Close approach to a survey vessel by other vessels is not recommended.  Skippers of fishing vessels underway with their gear out are reminded that damaging contact could take place between the fishing gear and the survey vessel's equipment.  In this connection skippers are also reminded of their responsibilities under Rule 18(c) (ii) of the International Collision Regulations which states that a vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.

The attention of all Mariners is drawn to the types of craft to be given a wide berth listed in the Mariners Handbook.

Director General,
Maritime Safety Directorate,
Department of Transport,
Leeson Lane,
Dublin 2.

01/06/2007

For any technical assistance in relation to this Marine Notice please contactThe Marine Surveyors Office, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2 +353 1 678 3400.  For information in relation to technical specification/type approval of radio equipment contact the Radio Surveyors +353 1 678 2363/2364/2365/2367.  For general enquiries please contact the Maritime Safety Division at +353-1-678 3418.  Any enquiries concerning Marine Notices should be addressed to:Maritime Safety Directorate, Department of Transport, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2Email: marinenotices@transport.ieOr visit us at: www.transport.ie