Europe brings maritime accident regs into line with IMO rules

Welcoming the parliament’s decision the commission pointed out that although the EU has very low maritime accident rates the Maritime Safety Package announced last June is aimed at reducing the loss of life and pollution events to zero

Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean said: “Although maritime safety in EU waters is very high, every accident is one too many, and we need to learn from them. Yesterday’s agreement will help operators and regulators to take the right measures to reduce their occurrence, ultimately preventing the loss of human life and environmental pollution.”

With some 2,000 incidents reported every year the new agreement will bring the most serious incidents involving fishing vessels under 15m in length into the regulatory remit.

Training for investigators will be provided by the European Maritime Safety Agency.

The Maritime Safety Package is aimed at strengthening and modernising the safety regulations for the maritime sector in EU waters.

The package includes clear requirements for flag state inspections; extension of port state control to cover new rules, such as the ballast water convention; accident investigations by PSC on fishing vessels; digitalisation of certification for flag states and PSC and support from EMSA.

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As well as protecting the safety of life at see the regulations aim to protect the oceans from pollution incidents, including dumping of sewage, garbage and the discharge of residues from scrubbers.

As well developing the systems for surveillance, detection and information sharing between jurisdictions and authorities the package will strengthen the legal framework for applying penalties such as fines.

Moreover, the package will: “Updates EMSA’s mandate to better reflect the growing role the Agency plays in many maritime transport areas, including safety, pollution prevention and environmental protection, climate action, security, surveillance and crisis management, and digitalisation – including the new safety and sustainability tasks emanating from this legislative package.