Brussels, 20/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - Seven member states (Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Poland, Portugal and the United Kingdom) were asked on Thursday 19 May to abide by the new EU regime on port state control. According to the European Commission, those states have not yet amended the measures taken to implement the new directive on port state control despite the fact that the deadline for doing so was 31 December 2010. Failure to implement the directive weakens the level of security at sea and in the ports, and is also likely to distort competition, the Commission states. As part of the third maritime package, the directive sets a common objective for all member states to inspect 100% of ships calling at EU ports. The frequency of inspections depends on the ship risk profile. High-risk ships have to be inspected every six months, average-risk ships every 12 months and low-risk ships every three years, wherever they choose to call. Unless all member states cooperate on this, checking 100% of ships cannot be achieved, which poses a potential risk to shipping and to the environment, the Commission stresses. The Commission's request takes the form of a reasoned opinion. Unless member states inform the Commission of measures taken to come into line with EU law within two months, the Commission will refer the matter to the European Court of Justice. (A.By./transl.jl)