The Maritime Safety Directorate intends to carry out spot checks on passenger boat safety over the summer.
The "crackdown" was promised by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Ahern, yesterday when he initiated this year's National Water Safety Campaign on Sandymount Strand, Dublin.
Mr Maurice Mullen of the Maritime Safety Directorate (MSD) said that his staff would carry out the checks around the coastline. Legislation introduced last January includes stipulations that all commercial vessels must carry the requisite number of lifejackets for passengers.
The Passenger Boat Regulations divide passenger boats into six classes, and the smallest class,which has no more than three people on board, stipulates that lifejackets must be worn at all times.
A small number of larger vessels carrying tourists for reward must also now comply with the ruling on carriage of lifejackets.
However, Mr Mullen denied that small island ferries would have to ensure all passengers were wearing such safety aids. He also said that the current consultation on compulsory use of lifejackets was ongoing.
Existing rules state that all fishermen working on deck and all young people under 16 years of age on a motorised craft must wear lifejackets, but it is expected that this may be extended.
Speaking in Dublin yesterday, the Minister said: "I have authorised safety inspectors to carry out random checks on passenger boats to ensure they meet safety guidelines. These spot checks will take place during the summer when such vessels carry thousands of holidaymakers.
"In addition, certain passenger boat skippers will have to ensure their passengers are wearing lifejackets. In the past there was no onus on skippers to ensure lifejackets were worn. That is all going to change."
The Minister vowed there would be an active policy of prosecution for any boat safety offenders.
As part of the campaign, the Minister has launched a series of radio awareness advertisements and online advertising.
A new website www.safetyonthewater.ie contains practical safety advice with information on safe practices for jetskis, canoeing, boating on inland waterways, yachts, dinghies and angling boats.
It also provides a comprehensive list of vessels licensed to carry passengers for reward.