Visits to Member States on a harmonised safety regime for fishing vessels
At the request of the EFTA Surveillance Authority (EFTA SA), two visits were carried out in relation to the implementation of Directive 97/70/EC of 11 December 1997 setting up a harmonised safety regime for fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over. The visits were conducted in 2016 and 2017.
Article 1 of the Directive states:
The purpose of this Directive is to lay down safety standards for seagoing fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over, both new, and existing, in so far as the Annex to the Torremolinos Protocol applies to the latter, and
- flying the flag of a Member State and registered in the Community, or
- operating in the internal waters or territorial sea of a Member State, or
- landing their catch in the port of a Member State.
The visits examine in particular:
1. The way in which the Directive has been transposed and implemented in operational terms.
2. Any derogations and/or exemptions that might have been adopted.
3. What designated authorities have been appointed for the operational implementation and enforcement of the Directive.
4. What infrastructure and human resources are in place for the purpose of operational implementation and enforcement of the Directive.