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News » General news » Commission reinforces safety for EU ships
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| 17/12/2012 |
| Commission reinforces safety for EU ships |
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Proposal for a new directive on marine equipment (MED)
The European Commission today adopted a proposal for a new directive on marine equipment (the "MED"). Marine equipment represents a significant fraction of the value of a ship, and its quality and good operation are critical for the safety of the ship and its crew, as well as for the prevention of maritime accidents and pollution of the marine environment. The marine equipment industry is a high added-value sector with high levels of investment in research and development.
Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of transport, Siim Kallas stressed that "this new legislation will mean improved safety of EU vessels and their crews, the prevention of maritime accidents with a positive impact on the marine environment, and a boost for the marine equipment industry with the creation of jobs and growth."
Marine equipment is any equipment that is placed on board a ship. The marine equipment sector constitutes the key supply industry of shipyards and the whole maritime industry, including offshore activities. It comprises a wide range of products and service categories, from navigational equipment to propulsion/power systems, and from cargo equipment to safety and life-saving systems (such as lifeboats, lifejackets, etc.).
With this proposal the Commission aims at simplifying the regulatory environment, thereby reducing costs for business and ensuring better application. As such, the reform will contribute to a proper functioning of the internal market and strengthen the competitiveness of EU industry. The proposal will also introduce provisions on the control of "notified bodies" - i.e. certifiers - and market surveillance, as well as obligations for manufacturers, importers and distributors (with certain adjustments specific for the marine equipment sector).
Furthermore the wheel mark, which is a specific mark for demonstrating that the equipment installed on board of a ship complies with the IMO/MED requirements for marine equipment, has been retained. The possibility to supplement or replace it with electronic tags has been opened, in order to facilitate the inspection of ships calling at an EU port, as well as to help combat counterfeiting.
Source: EUROPA |
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