Mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates issued by the Member States

PURPOSE : to facilitate the recognition of certificates of seafarers issued by the Member States and ensure thorough compliance with the existing training, certification and watch keeping requirements within the European Union.

PROPOSED ACT : Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council.

CONTENT : there are two main reasons for submitting this proposal: first, the need to facilitate the recognition by all Member States of certificates of seafarers issued within the Union in accordance with the minimum requirements of Directive 2001/25/EC, as amended; and second, the need to ensure further thorough and continuous compliance with the existing requirements.

In addition, in its conclusions of 5 June 2003, the Council emphasised the need to foster the mobility of seafarers within the Union6, while both the European Parliament and the Council called for the need to confirm thorough respect by the Member States of the STCW requirements.

The Commission, therefore, puts forward specific provisions aimed at ensuring further full compliance with the existing training and certification requirements. The proposal provides for:

– the obligation for Member States to adopt measures to prevent and penalise fraudulent practices associated with certificates of seafarers, and

– the regular assessment of compliance of Member States with the requirements of

Directive 2001/25/EC, as amended.