Marine equipment
1995/0163(SYN)
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the directive is (a) to enhance safety at sea and the prevention of
marine pollution through the uniform application on board Community ships of the conventions of
the International Maritime Organization (IMO); and (b) to ensure the free movement of such
equipment within the Community.
COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Directive 96/98/EC on marine equipment.
SUBSTANCE: The directive will ensure the free movement of marine equipment within the
Community as the Member States will not be able to prohibit equipment that complies with the
directive being put on the Community market or on board. The directive authorizes the installation
of this equipment on board ships without trials or further assessment. This will reduce the
administrative and procedure costs borne by manufacturers in getting approval for the equipment.
The equipment must bear a distinctive mark to show its conformity with the directive.
The Member States must ensure that the notified bodies that assess the compliance of the equipment
with testing standards are independent, efficient and professionally competent to carry out their
tasks. The Member States may in certain cases take provisional measures to limit or prohibit the use
of equipment bearing the mark of conformity. A simplified procedure must be followed for the
amendment of the directive.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 17/02/1997
DEADLINE FOR TRANSPOSITION: 01/01/1999
�