ESC calls for tighter regulations for maritime safety
The European Economic and Social committee (ESC) has adopted three legislative proposals addressing a number of maritime safety issues relating to the transport of petroleum products and prevention of any possible accidents which may result. 'The ESC believes that it is important to strengthen the generally applicable multilateral rules and adopt EU rules and measures in fields which are covered only partially - if at all - by provisions laid down in the International maritime organisation,' it reports. The ESC now broadly endorses legislation proposed by the Commission in this area. The Committee's opinion focuses firstly on a Directive for port state control, which welcomes stricter controls on substandard vessels. Other directives relate to the classification of vessels and regulations concerning double hulls.