Regular passenger and ferry services: manning conditions

The Parliament approved the text of the Commission's proposal subject to a few amendments. The Rapporteur was Ms. Anne McIntosh (EPP, UK). Among the amendments is one designed to impose a ban on allowing sailors to live permanently on board ships where they are working. The Parliament also sought to ensure that the Directive would not apply to exclusively cargo-carrying vessels engaged in trade between ports situated in different Member States. It also clarified the definition of a 'passenger ship' as being a sea-going vessels which carries more than 12 passengers. A further amendment would ensure that the Parliament and the Council, acting in co-decision on a proposal from the Commission, shall adopt, by 31 December 1999, a decision establishing an action programme at EU level for attracting young people to the maritime profession, including specific training targets, as well as the resources for funding that programme.�