WRITTEN QUESTION E-2445/01 by Carlos Carnero González (PSE) to the Commission. Rules on the use of water scooters and guaranteeing bathers' safety.
Date: 2001-09-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: bathing water, competence of the Member States, motor vehicle, pleasure craft, public safety, technical regulations

14.2.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 40 E/245

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(2 October 2001)

The main source of statistical data on employment and unemployment in Greece is the labour force
survey, which each Member State has to conduct pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 577/98 on the
organisation of a labour force sample survey in the Community (1).

Greece supplied its most recent quarterly data to Eurostat six months later than stipulated by the
Regulation (results relating to the third quarter of 2000 forwarded in June 2001). The quality checks
carried out by Eurostat do not indicate any particular anomaly in these results.

If necessary, under Article 3(6) of the above-mentioned Regulation, the Commission may require Member
States to provide detailed information on the criteria adopted for the design and size of the sample.

(1) OJ L 77, 14.3.1998.

(2002/C 40 E/268)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2445/01

by Carlos Carnero GonzÆlez (PSE) to the Commission

(11 September 2001)

Subject: Rules on the use of water scooters and guaranteeing bathers(cid:146) safety

The use of water scooters on Spanish beaches and along the coast this summer has resulted in a number
of serious accidents, involving several fatalities and quite a number of injuries.

Public opinion is understandably alarmed, since there are serious doubts as to whether any national
legislation fully and effectively guarantees the safety of both users and bathers. Moreover, the renting and
use of water scooters is common practice throughout the Union, particularly in countries where there is
large-scale summer seaside tourism. Does any relevant Community legislation on these vehicles exist?

If so, how is it applied?

If not, does the Commission intend to develop such legislation as a matter of urgency, with a view to its
introduction before next year(cid:146)s tourist season, so as to avoid a repetition of what happened this summer,
and guarantee the safety of all those enjoying seaside holidays?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2001)

legislation. There is no Community
The use of jet-skis in the Community is regulated by national
legislation in this area and there are no plans to introduce Community measures in relation to the
conditions of such use.

As regards rules for the construction of this type of craft, in October 2000 the Commission presented a
proposal for a Directive of the Parliament and of the Council modifying Directive 94/25/EC on the
approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to
recreational craft (1). This proposal is currently under discussion in the Parliament and the Council. It seeks
to lay down essential safety requirements for the construction of jet-skis, as well as exhaust and noise
emission requirements for all recreational marine engines, including the engines on jet-skis. The purpose of
this proposal is to enhance the effective operation of the internal market while ensuring a high level of
environmental and safety standards.

(1) OJ C 62 E, 27.2.2001.