Common position on marine equipment and safety
The Council of the European Union has adopted a common position on the proposed Council Directive on marine equipment. This Directive aims to improve the safety of marine equipment, thereby reducing the risk of shipping accidents. Although international conventions provide for certain safety requirements and testing standards, differences in the application of these standards at national level lead to varying levels of safety. The Council Directive aims to establish common rules to eliminate differences in the implementation of international standards with the European Community.