Maritime safety: minimum level of training of seafarers

The Committee on has given the green light to proposals ensuring a consistent EU wide implementation of standards concerning the minimum level of training for seafarers. The Committee adopted the report by Mr Eolo PARODI (UFE, I) on the revised Directive 94/58, which will also include the revised principles concerning the General Provisions and Watch keeping requirements. The rapporteur saw an amendment adopted calling for the creation of a European institute for the training of seafarers, being an essential means for promoting safety at sea by providing highly qualified seafarers. Also adopted was an amendment concerning the introduction of a new annex on procedures and criteria for the recognition of certificates of third countries. In future, member states may only recognize and endorse seafarers' certificates, issued by third countries, if a great number of conditions are fulfilled. �