Directive (EU) 2024/3017

What it is

PROPOSED ACT: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: Directive 2009/18/EC provides for a system of safety investigations to learn lessons from maritime accidents and to prevent their reoccurrence. Maritime accidents falling within the scope of the Directive are investigated to improve maritime safety and to protect the marine environment. Since the entry into force of Directive 2009/18/EC, there have been changes in the international regulatory environment and technological developments. In addition to the need to update the Directive to take account of legal, environmental and technological developments since its adoption, it is also necessary to take into account the lessons learned from the implementation of the Directive. The Committee on Transport and Tourism adopted the report by Caroline NAGTEGAAL (Renew, NL) on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2009/18/EC establishing the fundamental principles governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector. The committee responsible recommended that the European Parliament's position adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure should amend the proposal as follows: The amended text stated that a safety investigation should be started without delay after the marine casualty or incident occurs and, in any event, no later than one month after its occurrence as opposed to two months proposed by the Commission. The investigation authority should make every effort to conclude an investigation within 12 months of the date of the marine casualty or incident. If the investigation cannot be concluded within 12 months, and until it is concluded, the investigation authority should publish a report at least every year on the anniversary of the date of the marine casualty or incident, detailing the progress of the investigation and any safety issues raised. At the request of the responsible national authorities, the Commission and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) should assist the responsible national authorities. Furthermore, both the Commission and EMSA should assist accident investigation authorities in the implementation of harmonised EU wide quality management systems and their systematic application. Members suggested that the Commission and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) should facilitate the development of capacities as well as the sharing of knowledge within and between the investigation authorities through the provision of regular training sessions and certifications on new legal and technological developments, specific techniques and tools and technologies relating to ships, their equipment and operations. Sufficient means should be provided to EMSA to organise dedicated training. Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading The European Parliament adopted by 353 votes to 214, with 55 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a directive of the European…

Official title: Directive (EU) 2024/3017 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 amending Directive 2009/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the fundamental principles governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector and repealing Commission Regulation (EU) No 1286/2011 (Text with EEA relevance)