Maritime safety: seafarers, minimum training level

This proposal for a Directive aimed to harmonise the minimum level of training required for seagoing professions (masters, officers, seamen, engineers, persons responsible for the operation of lifeboats and life rafts): drawing upon the relevant international provisions (such as the ILO's STCW Convention), it incorporated, in addition to such training, a linguistic aspect for professions involving contact with passengers and those applicable to vessels carrying hazardous or polluting substances. With effect from 1995, all Member States would be required to issue seafarers with certificates complying with the provisions laid down. Moreover, agreements between the Community and third countries would have to guarantee the establishment of equal standing between all crews, Community and otherwise, working within the Community.�