Maritime safety: standards in respect of shipping using Community ports, package Erika I

The committee adopted the recommendation by Mark WATTS (PES, UK) broadly endorsing the Council's common position under the codecision procedure (2nd reading), subject to a few amendments. In particular, it said that ships not fitted with Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs or "black boxes") in compliance with international or Community law should be refused access to EU ports. The amendment also stipulated that all cargo and passenger ships over 300 tonnes gross should be equipped with this technology within five years. In another amendment, the Commission was called on to review the implementation of the new directive no later than 36 months after its entry into force. It was argued that, since the old directive now being replaced had not been satisfactorily implemented by Member States, it was essential to check how thoroughly inspections under the new directive were actually carried out. �