STCW will include higher standards for medical fitness, fitness for duty and alcohol abuse
On 14 September the European Commission adopted a proposal to amend existing Directive 2008/106/EC on the minimum level of training of seafarers to bring it in line with the recently updated International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
The 2007 so-called Manila Amendments to the STCW include higher standards for medical fitness, fitness for duty and alcohol abuse, new professional profiles and security training for seafarers. The new international standard will be applicable from 1 January 2012. The main purpose of the review of Directive 2008/106/EC is therefore to ensure a uniform application of the updated STCW by the EU Member States. The proposed implementation deadline at EU level is on 31 December 2012.
Siim Kallas, Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport, said: “As maritime transport is a global industry, it is vital to also set minimum standards for training on an international scale.” This statement is also reflected in the actual proposal, which is to the largest extent a one-to-one transposition of the Manila Amendments into EU law.
Furthermore, the Commission proposal suggests moderate changes to existing European provisions concerning the recognition of seafarers’ certificates. Here, the Commission suggests that the deadline for the recognition of third country certificates should be extended from three to 18 months. Finally, as regards statistical data, the Commission laments the existence of inaccurate data about certificates. It therefore proposes the collation in a harmonised and consistent way of information already existing in the national registries.
It is important to note that this file will now enter the EU’s Ordinary Legislative Procedure (formerly “co-decision”) involving the European Parliament and the Council (EU Member States). Further changes to the text are therefore likely.
A copy of the Commission proposal can be obtained by clicking here.
Source : European Commission
