More measures proposed for maritime safety
The European Commission recently proposed a second package of measures to avoid a new Erika disaster. This follows legislative proposals put forward in March. The latest package includes measures for the establishment of a maritime traffic control and information system, an oil pollution compensation fund and a European maritime safety agency. 'Adoption of these measures by the Community will make it possible to build a genuine European maritime safety area and ensure an optimum level of protection of the marine environment and the European coastline,' according to Commission vice president and Transport and Energy Commissioner, Loyola de Palacio. The proposals are consistent with the first 'Erika' package, add Commission officials. This aimed to step up vessel inspections in ports, supervising the activities of the classification societies, and phasing out of single hull oil tankers more quickly. The Commission is now calling on the Council and European parliament for a speedy decision on the first package. 'Maritime safety is an area in which prevention is by far the best solution. It merits the deployment of considerable human and material resources,' says Ms de Palacio.