WRITTEN QUESTION E-2985/02 by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission. Measures to reduce fisheries accidents.
Date: 2002-10-23
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: common fisheries policy, fishing fleet, maritime safety

C 137 E/142

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

12.6.2003

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 2002)

Council Directive 93/104/EC of 23 November 1993 concerning certain aspects of the organization of
working time (1) applies to all sectors of activity, both public and private, with the exception of air, rail,
road, sea, inland waterway and lake transport, sea fishing, other work at sea and the activities of doctors in
training (‘excluded sectors’).

These ‘excluded sectors’ will in future be covered by Directive 2000/34/EC of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 22 June 2000 (2), which will enter into force on 1 August 2003 (1 August 2004 for
doctors in training).

For workers on board sea-going fishing vessels, Directive 2000/34/EC provides that the maximum number
of hours of work or the minimum number of hours of rest shall be specified by law, regulations,
administrative provisions or by collective agreements or agreements between the two sides of the industry
within the limits laid down by the Directive: the number of hours of work shall not exceed 14 hours in
any 24-hour period and 72 hours in any seven-day period while minimum hours of rest shall not be less
than 10 hours in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any seven-day period.

Article 3 of the Directive states that, not later than 1 August 2009, the Commission shall, after consulting
the Member States and management and labour at European level, review the operation of the provisions
for workers on board sea-going fishing vessels, and, in particular examine whether these provisions remain
appropriate, particularly as far as health and safety are concerned, with a view to proposing any
amendments felt to be necessary.

(1) OJ L 307, 13.12.1993.
(2) OJ L 195, 1.8.2000.

(2003/C 137 E/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2985/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Measures to reduce fisheries accidents

Paragraph 4 of the EP’s resolution of 5 April 2001 on Fisheries: safety and causes of accidents (1) ‘calls for a
gradual ban on fishing to be applied to vessels older than 20 years, except for those that have passed
annual safety tests’.

Paragraph 6 ‘calls on the Commission to continue co-financing the replacement of fishing vessels older
than 20 years that do not meet minimum standards with regard to safety and the health of workers on
board’.

The average age of fishing boats is very high, and in some countries over 20 years; as they get older,
fishing boats are increasingly prone to accidents.

What steps has the Commission taken since the adoption of this resolution to modernise and renew the
fleet, reducing the average age of fishing boats, and increasing the number of inspections of older fishing
boats?

(1) OJ C 21 E, 24.1.2002, p. 359.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2002)

Concerning point 6 of the Parliament Resolution, the Commission recognises the need for a renewal of the
fleet, but thinks this objective has to be compatible with that of reducing excess of capacity and adjusting
the size of the fleet to the available resources. This is why, in the framework of the Common Fisheries

12.6.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 137 E/143

Policy reform, the Commission has proposed to keep the financial support to the scrapping of vessels and
to eliminate aid for the construction of vessels. The Commission expects these measures to have a positive
impact on the average age of the fleet, as older and less efficient vessels would be scrapped first. At the
same time, the Commission has proposed to continue Community co-financing for safety investments.

(2003/C 137 E/162)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2987/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Measures to reduce fisheries accidents

Paragraph 8 of the EP’s resolution of 5 April 2001 on Fisheries: safety and causes of accidents (1) ‘calls for a
common European system which takes into account the differences between fishing fleets, which will
make stricter and more systematic checks possible as regards the technical inspection of vessels, including
smaller vessels and the oldest vessels, and as regards inspections relating to working conditions, so as to
inspections which include checks on the
ensure compliance with rules on safety, compulsory annual
regulation safety equipment, the application of penalties and checks on communication equipment on
board’.

Has the Commission taken any steps in this connection?

Does not the Commission believe that a common system would help reduce the number of fishery
accidents?

(1) OJ C 21 E, 24.1.2002, p. 359.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(13 December 2002)

Given the differences in fishing fleet composition between Member States and the variability of accident
risks by segment and zone of activity, the Commission does not consider that a common European system
would necessarily lead to a reduction in accidents.

As far as verification of application of national
legislation transposing the European Directives on
protection of workers’ health and their safety (1) are concerned, it is up to Member States to take the action
necessary to ensure adequate inspection and surveillance.

The Commission draws the Honourable Member’s attention to its communication Adapting to change in
work and society: a new Community strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006 (2) and to the
Council Resolution on a new Community strategy on health and safety at work (2002-2006) (3), which are
aimed at securing a constant reduction in accidents at work and occupational illness. This involves setting
measurable targets at both European and Member State level, particularly in the occupational sectors with
above average incidences.

(1) Council Directive 89/391/EEC, 18 June 1989, OJ L 183, 29.6.1989. Council Directive 93/103/EEC, 23 November
1993, OJ L 307, 13.12.1993. Council Directive 89/655/EEC, 30 November 1989, OJ L 393, 30.12.1989 Council
Directive 89/656/EEC, 30 November 1989, OJ L 393, 30.12.1989 Council Directive 90/269/EEC, 29 May 1990,
OJ L 156, 21.6.1990.
(2) COM(2002) 118 final.
(3) Resolution of 3 June 2002, OJ C 161, 5.7.2002.