The Minister for the Marine, Mr Ahern, has ordered the Irish Coast Guard to begin monitoring controversial new legislation on compulsory lifejacket use.
Two Irish Coast Guard vessels will be deployed at two of the country's busiest sailing areas - Howth, Co Dublin, and Crosshaven, Co Cork - from this week, according to the Minister, who has signed the new regulations into law.
Under the rules, lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn by every crew member on board all types of vessels of up to seven metres or 23 feet in length. Vessels over 23 feet or seven metres must have a lifejacket or PFD stowed for everyone on board, but children up to the age of 16 on board must wear the safety equipment.
Under existing regulations, which have been incorporated with the new provisions into the Merchant Shipping (Pleasure Craft) Lifejackets and Operation (Safety) Regulations 2004, lifejackets/PFDs must also be worn by jetskiers and by people "being towed by a pleasure craft, or on board a craft or on board a vessel or object being towed by a craft".
Controls on skippers/masters under the influence of alcohol or drugs have been extended - previously these controls applied to fast power craft and personal watercraft or jetskis only.
However, the legislation exempts oarsmen and women involved in "Olympic-style rowing".
The Irish Underwater Council had sought an exemption for divers travelling to and from dive sites.
The Minister said that the Irish Coast Guard and gardaí would have a major role to play in implementing the rules, along with officers of his Maritime Safety Directorate.
Mr Ahern has called on all organisations involved in water-based activities to promote the wearing of lifejackets.
