Brussels, 23/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 July, the Council adopted a directive to regulate marine equipment to be placed on board EU ships. The adoption of this legislative act by the Council follows an agreement reached at first reading with the European Parliament earlier this year (see EUROPE 11062).
The regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal, which is expected to take place within the next few days. Member states will have two years from the directive's entry into force to adopt national provisions to comply with the directive.
While marine equipment is installed on board ships at the time of their construction or repair all over the world, EU countries must ensure that the equipment placed on board vessels flying their flag complies with international and European requirements. As proof of compliance a particular logo, the wheel mark, is affixed to the equipment. This is the maritime equivalent of the CE marking on, for example, household appliances.
EU marine equipment rules basically serve two objectives: - to improve safety at sea and prevent maritime pollution through the uniform application of the requirements set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) - to ensure the free movement of marine equipment within the EU. The new directive, which replaces one dating from 1996, enhances the implementation and enforcement of these rules. It aligns them with the new legislative framework for the marketing of goods within the EU. In addition, it clarifies and speeds up the enactment of changing international standards in European and national law. It reinforces market surveillance, conformity checking and the periodic updating of EU rules. (LC)