Meeting standards and contributing to marine safety is particularly relevant within the context of the 3rd Maritime Safety Package to reinforce the prevention of accidents and pollution. The following measures are to be introduced:

Improvement of the quality of EU flags

The enlargement of the European Union, particularly with the admission of Malta and Cyprus, has made the Union a major maritime power. In this context, member states have to ensure that all ships sailing under their flag maintain very high international standards. In this respect, it is worth noting that both Cyprus and Malta are now on the White List of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding.

Review of the legislation on Port State Control

The aim of this measure is to simplify and improve the quality and effectiveness of Port Sate Control inspections by targeting specific vessels and distributing the inspection regime throughout the member states. This measure also relieves the owners of good quality ships from excessive controls that could possibly damage their competitiveness.

Amendment of Directive 2002/59

on Traffic Monitoring

The aim is to ensure that member states have effective systems and a clear decision-making process in place to consider granting places of refuge. The amendment will also make the Automatic Identification System (AIS) mandatory on fishing vessels of over 15 metres.

Finally, SafeSeaNet will also be formally established as an electronic data exchange platform between member states via a European Index Server managed by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

This will enable member states to exchange information relating to shipping, including AIS data. In this regard, I am pleased to note that the Malta Maritime Authority has

anticipated the significance of the SafeSeaNet concept and, by benefiting from EU funding, has developed a web-based portal for a port community information system that has already undergone formal testing and has been certified as compliant with SafeSeaNet.

Improvement of the rules in force regarding classification societies

The aim of this measure is to improve the quality of work of bodies responsible for inspection and certification by introducing new procedures for quality control and strengthening the obligations for technical transparency.

Proposed directive on accident investigation

The purpose of this proposal is to ensure the effectiveness, objectivity and transparency of enquiries following maritime accidents and also to identify, in good time, recommendations intended to prevent similar accidents.

Regulation on responsibility and compensation to passengers in the event of an accident

The aim of this measure is to incorporate the international provisions of the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea and the various protocols with a view to ensuring that both international and domestic passengers travelling by sea are covered by satisfactory insurance compensation.

Directive on the civil

liability of ship owners.

The aim of this measure is to make ship owners more responsible and end the current system that enables ship owners to limit their liability and responsibility in circumstances where they commit serious acts of negligence resulting in major pollution.

Malta’s position

Malta supports these initiatives. However, again Malta reiterates its position that similar initiatives at EU level shall at all times be consonant with international conventions.

We must keep in mind that, given the current scenario and our geographical location in the centre of the Mediterranean, we are in one of the busiest maritime traffic regions in the world, through which nearly 500 million tonnes of goods are transiting annually and with some 800 tankers constantly plying in this enclosed sea. This is not to mention the large container ships now in service, which are in excess of 300 metres and carry over 9,000 TEUs, and the cruise industry, which is also very active in Malta. In the local context, the volume of ships calling at Maltese ports is around 7,000 annually, and another 2500 ships call offshore Malta to obtain services such as bunkers, crew change and provisions. We can anticipate an increase in both size and number.

In this context, it is also important to consider and include the local shipping industry in the prevailing scenario. Vessels operating in the domestic trade are interacting with sea-going ships, either directly when providing a service such as towage or bunkers, or in the course of navigation, particularly in the approaches to ports or to designated anchorages in local waters. In relation to the general public, we do get complaints and these are sometimes associated with the inefficiency of the service, the condition of the vessel, or the behaviour of the crew.

From the vessel operators’ perspective, complaints usually revolve around the stringent conditions and charges imposed by the authorities, resulting in reduced flexibility and loss of business, and also a lack of suitable berthing facilities. As minister responsible for maritime affairs and competitiveness, I recognise the need to investigate and, where necessary, address such concerns. The ultimate aim of government in this sector is to enhance free market competition while enforcing a level playing field.

Another important aspect is the fostering of the safe operation of vessels by promoting a safety culture throughout the industry. The Commercial Vessels Regulations and the training and certification regime introduced, together with the courses organised by the MCAST Maritime Institute, contribute to the achievement of our goals.

As in other sectors of industry, operators should recognise that the way forward is to introduce sound management practices and a professional approach. This will provide for safe vessel operations and a safe working environment, will establish safeguards against identified risks and will improve the skills of personnel in dealing with safety and emergencies issues.

As a maritime nation, we need to strive continuously to enhance the level of

service that we provide. We should also incorporate

maritime safety and environmental protection issues into all aspects of life, and

consider them to be important components of our

economic activity. This can only be achieved through a sense of commitment and better coordination between the relevant Government agencies and industry

participants.

Censu Galea is Competitiveness and Communications Minister