Inland waterway transport: River Traffic Information Services RIS for safety, security and efficiency of inland navigation

PURPOSE: To harmonise river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the EU

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

CONTENT:  This Directive has been approved in order to ensure a harmonised, inter-operable and open navigational aid and information system on the inland waterway network of the Community. Further, it establishes common requirements and technical specifications.  The setting up of a River Information Service, otherwise known as RIS, is based on inter-operable systems according to public standards. The provisions in the Directives specify:

-         The Directive applies to all inland waterways of the Member States and includes ports. The types of waterways to which the Directive applies are specified in the Annexes. Member States may, though they are not obliged to do so, implement the provisions on their inland waterways and ports, which have no contact with the waterways of another Member State.

-         The Directive gives a list of terms, which are defined for the purpose of the Directive. They are River Information Service, fairway information, tactical traffic information, strategic traffic information, RIS application, RIS centre, RIS user and inter-operability.

-         Member States are expected to set up all necessary measures to implement RIS on inland waterways. In addition, Member States will are expected to supply RIS users with all relevant data concerning navigation and voyage planning, ensure that all users of inland waterways have access to electronic navigational charts, ensure that the competent authorities receive electronic ship reports and ensure that skippers receive timely information on water levels and ice reports based on a standard referenced format.

-         As far as technical guidelines and specifications are concerned, the Commission will be responsible for their definition. Technical specifications will include electronic chart display and information system for inland navigation (ECDIS), electronic ship reporting, notices to skippers, vessel tracking and tracing systems and a set of specifications that makes the equipment used for RIS compatible.

-         RIS guidelines should be completed by 20/06/2006. Technical specifications regarding ECDIS and electronic ship reporting and notice to skippers should be completed by 20/10/2006 and technical specifications regarding vessel tracking and tracing systems should be completed by 20/12/2006.

-         The Directive requires type-approval for RIS equipment, with the Member States notifying the Commission of the national bodies responsible for type-approval.

-         The Directive’s provisions must comply with Community legislation on privacy, security and the re-use of information.

-         The Annexes may be amended in the light of experience gained from the Directive’s application.

TRANSPOSITION: 20/10/2007

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 20/10/2005.