International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (1995) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO): signing and/or ratification by Member States

PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to become party, in the interest of the European Union, to the International Convention of 1995 on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel was adopted on 7 July 1995 at the International Conference convened by the IMO in London, where 74 governments participated, 22 of which were Member States of the EU. The Convention entered into force on 29 September 2012.

The Convention represents a significant contribution to the fishing sector at international level by promoting the safety of life and property at sea, thereby also contributing to the protection of the marine environment. Fishing at sea is one of the most hazardous professions, and therefore, appropriate training and qualifications are an essential means by which to cut the number of accidents.

The Union cannot become party to the Convention, as only states can be parties thereto. Some Member States have not yet become party to the Convention, while others already Have done so. Those Member States which have fishing vessels flying their flag, ports receiving seagoing fishing vessels which fall within the scope of the Convention, or training institutions for fishing vessel personnel, and which have not yet become party to the Convention, are invited to do so.

CONTENT: under the proposal, Member States would be authorised to become party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, of the International Maritime Organisation, adopted on 7 July 1995, in respect of those parts falling under the competence of the Union.

When reporting to the Secretary-General of the IMO, Member States shall, if appropriate, with provide information on relevant national provisions regarding the recognition of certificates of competency of personnel on board fishing vessels covered by the Convention, taking into account obligations laid down by relevant Union law on the recognition of qualifications.

Member States which have fishing vessels flying their flag, ports receiving seagoing fishing vessels which fall within the scope of the Convention, or training institutions for fishing vessel personnel, and which have not yet become party to the Convention, shall endeavour to take the necessary steps to deposit their instrument of accession to the Convention with the Secretary-General of the IMO within a reasonable time and, if possible, within two years following the publication of the Decision.