EC establishing the fundamental principles governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector - Main contents

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dossier	COM(2023)270 - Amendment of Directive 2009/18/EC establishing the fundamental principles governing the investigation of accidents in the ...
document	COM(2023)270
date	June 1, 2023

(1)Directive 2009/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 23 establishes the fundamental principles governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector and provides for a system of safety investigations. Maritime accidents falling within the scope of that Directive are investigated by independent investigative bodies established in the Member States to improve maritime safety, as well as to protect the marine environment, by learning from past accidents to prevent their reoccurrence in the future.

(2)Since the entry into force of Directive 2009/18/EC, there have been changes in the international regulatory environment and technological developments. Those changes and developments as well as the experience gained in the implementation of Directive 2009/18/EC should be taken into account.

(3)Directive 2009/18/EC refers to a number legal texts adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which have been abrogated, amended or revised since its entry into force. The ‘IMO Code for the Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents’ (IMO Resolution A.849(20) of 27 November 1997) which has been revoked by the ‘Code of the International Standards and Recommended practices for a Safety Investigation into a Marine Casualty or Marine Incident (Casualty Investigation Code)’ (Resolution MSC 255(84) of 16 May 2008) with Resolution A.1075(28) Guidelines to Assist Investigators in the Implementation of the Casualty Investigation Code MSC.255(84)).

(4)The IMO Casualty Investigation Code introduces new definitions, such as the definition of ‘marine safety investigation Authority’, while others concepts are deleted, such as ‘serious casualty’. Those changes should be incorporated into Directive 2009/18/EC.

(5)Directive 2009/18/EC also refers to IMO Circular MSC/MEPC. 3/Circ.3 of 2008 which was superseded by Circular MSC-MEPC. 3/circ.4/rev.1 Reports on Marine Casualties and Incidents Revised Harmonized Reporting Procedures of 18 November 2014.

(6)The IMO Guidelines to Assist Investigators in the Implementation of the Casualty Investigation Code (A.1075(28)) adopted on 4 December 2013 provide practical advice for the systematic investigation of marine casualties and incidents and allow the development of effective analysis and preventive action. Those guidelines should be included in Directive 2009/18/EC.

(7)Fishing vessels less than 15 metres in length are at present excluded from the scope of Directive 2009/18/EC, therefore the conduct of maritime accident investigations involving such fishing vessels is non-systematic and non-harmonised. Such vessels are more prone to capsizing and members of the crew falling overboard is relatively common. Therefore, there is a need to protect those fishing vessels, their crew and the environment by introducing a preliminary assessment of very serious marine casualties involving fishing vessels less than 15 metres long to determine whether the authorities should open a safety investigation.

(8)Some definitions provided in Directive 2009/18/EC are not clear. The definition of the length of a fishing vessel should be set out especially when there is a distinction on the approach and the obligations of the marine safety investigation authorities based on the length of the fishing vessel.

(9)The IMO Casualty Code refers an even or a sequence of events which has occurred ‘directly in connection with the operations of a ship’. This concept is the subject of significant divergence and should be clarified. That divergence impacts on the actions of the accident investigation authorities particularly as regards accident in ports, the possibilities of joint investigations and the gathering of accident and investigation data.

(10)The IMO Casualty Code provides that when a very serious marine casualty occurs the marine authority is obliged to carry out an investigation. However, there is no guidance on the time within which a death has to take place following the accident so that the death gives rise to a very serious marine casualty and therefore be investigated. Therefore Directive 2009/18/EC should provide such guidance.

(11)The available staff, as well as the operational resources of the Member States’ marine safety investigation authorities vary distinctly, resulting in ineffective and inconsistent reporting on and investigation of marine casualties. Therefore, the Commission, with the assistance of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) should provide highly specialised analytical support during an individual investigation (soft skills), as well as analytical tools and equipment (hardware).

(12)In light of what has been stated, EMSA should organise trainings on specific techniques and on new developments and technologies which can be relevant for accident investigation in the future. Such training should focus, among others, on renewable and low carbon fuels, which are particularly relevant in view of the “Fit for 55 package”, and automation, as well as on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules.

(13)To improve the quality of accident investigations, the Member States should develop a quality management system (QMS) for the marine safety investigation authorities.

(14)In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the provisions of this Directive regarding the list of IMO texts in its scope, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 24 ).

(15)In view of the full monitoring cycle of visits to Member States by EMSA to monitor the implementation of this Directive, the Commission should evaluate the implementation of this Directive no later than [ten years after its date of entry into force referred to in Article 23)] and report to the European Parliament and the Council thereon. Member States should cooperate with the Commission to gather all the information necessary for the evaluation.

(16)In accordance with the principle of proportionality, it is necessary and appropriate for the achievement of the basic objective of improving the maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment, to lay down rules on the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport. This Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve the objectives pursued in accordance with Article 5(4) of the Treaty on European Union.

(17)Directive 2009/18/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.