The European Commission has welcomed the Provisional Agreement Advancing Modernisation of Maritime Accident Investigations
Commission Applauds Provisional Agreement Advancing Modernisation of Maritime Accident Investigations
The European Commission has welcomed the provisional agreement achieved between the European Parliament and the Council, signalling a significant step forward in the modernisation of maritime accident investigations.
The proposed updates aim to streamline investigative processes, adhering to the international standards set by the International Maritime Organization.
The existing Directive, dating back to 2009 and exclusively applicable to maritime transport vessels covered by international conventions or fishing vessels, was identified as in need of a contemporary overhaul. Despite the commendable safety record of EU waters, featuring minimal fatalities and an absence of recent major oil spills, the yearly reporting of over 2,000 marine accidents and incidents prompted a collective call for more robust investigative measures.
A pivotal aspect of the updated directive is its expanded scope to include the most severe accidents involving smaller fishing vessels (less than 15 metres). The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) will play a crucial role by providing operational support and training to national investigative authorities upon request, ensuring their operational independence remains intact.
Furthermore, the revised directive ensures the alignment of EU law with the latest international provisions outlined by the International Maritime Organization. It introduces a mandate for Member State accident investigation authorities to engage in a peer review process, fostering mutual learning, procedural improvements, and enhanced outputs.
Adina Vălean, Commissioner for Transport welcomed the move saying:
“Although maritime safety in EU waters is very high, every accident is one too many, and we need to learn from them. Today’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.”
Next Steps
The achieved political agreement will now undergo formal adoption. Upon completion of this process by both the European Parliament and the Council, the new rules will be officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union, coming into force 20 days later. Member States will then have a 30-month period to transpose the directive into their respective national laws.
Background
This legislative initiative, introduced by the Commission in June 2023, is part of a broader maritime safety package. Aligned with the EU Green Deal, the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy, and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Commission envisions steering shipping towards a future characterised by zero emissions, pollution, and accidents.
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Source: Press Release
Source: Press Release