The Romanian presidency reached a provisional agreement on a plan to keep the EU rules in line with international rules, while in the meantime make the centralised mechanism for the recognition of seafarers more efficient and effective. The agreement is based on EU’s regulatory framework on seafarers’ training and certification.
Specifically, the revision will increase the clarity concerning the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates issued by member states. Following, the agreement will be submitted for approval by member states’ representatives in the Council.
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In addition, Rovana Plumb, acting Minister for Transport of Romania, President of the Council noted that in order to keep a high level of safety at sea and preventing pollution, it is of a big importance to have a high-quality maritime training and certification, as well.
The simpler the rules are, the easier it will be for seafarers to move freely in the EU and make the shipping sector an attractive career option. This will also be a solution concerning the shortage of qualified personnel.
Under the common EU mechanism for recognition of seafarers’ certificates from third countries, the Commission checks that EU member states and third countries comply with the requirements of the EU directive and the STCW Convention.
The international framework in this area is the International Maritime Organisation’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, ‘STCW Convention’.
Moreover, focusing on the recognition of other member states’ seafarers, the rules will highlight which certificates need to be instantly recognised in order to allow seafarers certified by one EU country to work on board vessels flying another EU country’s flag.
Finally, the agreed text will pass legal and linguistic revision, and will then be officially adopted by both Parliament and the Council.
