The provision of lifejackets for anyone aboard a boat will become mandatory when new regulations announced by the Minster for the Communications, Marine and Technology, Mr Ahern, take effect.
Under the new regulations anyone travelling in an open boat will be obliged to wear their life jacket while the operators of larger vessels will need to make them available to passengers.
Surfing and competitive rowing are exempt.
Mr Ahern said the new regulations had been drawn up after extensive consultation and a code of practice will be given statutory effect. The code will specify when particularly on larger vessels - the supplied lifejacket must be worn.
"The new code will impose a very strong onus of responsibility on skippers and owners of pleasure craft. In the event of prosecution following an accident, the skipper may be liable if the correct procedures are not followed," Mr Ahern said.
A draft code of practice will be published in the coming weeks and interested parties will be invited to comment. The Minister hopes to bring legislation before the Dáil in the next session.