Directive (EU) 2022/993 on the minimum level of training of seafarers (codification) (codification)

What it is

to align EU rules with international rules on the training and certification of seafarers (codification of Directive 2008/106/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council). PROPOSED ACT: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: in the interests of clarity and transparency of EU law, the aim of this proposal is to undertake a codification of Directive 2008/106/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the minimum level of training of seafarers, which has been substantially amended several times. The new Directive will supersede the various acts incorporated in it; it fully preserves the content of the acts being codified and hence does no more than bring them together with only such formal amendments as are required by the codification exercise itself. The European Parliament adopted by 623 votes to 4, with 2 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the minimum level of training of seafarers (codification). Parliament adopted its position at first reading by adopting the Commission's proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. The proposal for a directive introduces into EU law the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), 1978 ("STCW Convention"), which underwent a major revision at a Conference of the Parties to the STCW Convention held in Manila in 2010. Further amendments to the Convention were adopted in 2015 and 2016. As all Member States are parties to the STCW Convention, the harmonisation of the EU rules on seafarer training and certification with the STCW Convention is intended to ensure a coherent implementation of their international commitments. - sets out the training rules and standards of competence which seafarer candidates must meet in order to obtain or revalidate a certificate to perform the functions covered by the certificate of competency. The training of seafarers should cover theory and practice so that seafarers are qualified to meet safety and security standards and are able to respond to hazards and emergencies; - obliges Member States to designate the authority or authorities or bodies empowered to provide training, organise and/or supervise any examinations that may be required, issue certificates and grant dispensations; - obliges Member States to adopt and enforce specific measures to prevent and sanction fraudulent practices related to certificates of proficiency and competence; lays down criteria for the inspection of maritime training establishments, training programmes and courses; - contains provisions on minimum rest periods for watchkeeping personnel to enhance maritime safety and pollution prevention at sea. All persons who are assigned duty as an officer in charge of a watch or as a…

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