Decision setting up a temporary committee on improving safety at sea

The European Parliament adopted a resolution setting up a temporary committee in order to strengthen maritime safety and to avoid new maritime disasters. The committee will have the following powers: - to examine in detail maritime disasters, in particular the Prestige, the Erika and other recent accidents and incidents; - to further analyse their social and economic consequences, with regard in particular to fisheries, industry and tourism, as well as the environment and health; - to assess maritime safety standards more generally and the application of these standards by the Member States in compliance with EU and international law; - to seek to ensure implementation of the recommendations contained in its resolution of 23 September 2003; - to propose additional measures which are found to be necessary. The term of office of the temporary committee shall be six months, at the end of which it shall submit a report to Parliament. Finally, Parliament decided that the temporary committee will be composed of 44 members.�