WRITTEN QUESTION E-2995/02 by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission. Measures to reduce fisheries accidents.
Date: 2002-10-23
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU employment policy, accident prevention, common fisheries policy, fishing industry, occupational accident, occupational health, occupational safety, vocational training

C 137 E/144

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

12.6.2003

(2003/C 137 E/163)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2995/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Measures to reduce fisheries accidents

Paragraph 26 of the EP’s resolution of 5 April 2001 on Fisheries: safety and causes of accidents (1) ‘calls on
the Commission and the Member States to promote a safety culture among shipowners, salaried and
independent fishermen and public administration in the world of fisheries in each phase of their activities,
including prevention, which should be reflected in vocational and continuing training and incorporate the
most modern technology in localisation and life-saving equipment. Such training must
include the
improvement and maximisation of safety’.

Paragraph 28 ‘Asks that this safety culture should be required, in particular, as part of vocational training
for young seafarers preparing to undertake fishing activities’.

What measures has the Commission since adopted to promote this safety culture in the fishing industry?

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

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2002)

The Commission has adopted the Communication entitled ‘Adapting to change in work and society: a new
Community strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006’ (1) which rests on the consolidation of a
culture of risk prevention, the combination of different policy instruments (cid:1) legislation, social dialogue,
innovative approaches and identification of best practice, corporate social responsibility and financial
incentives (cid:1) and the establishment of partnerships involving all health and safety actors.

In particular, acknowledging that the promotion of well-being at work cannot be realised through health
and safety policy alone, the Communication provides for the development of an approach based on
coordination with other policies aimed at prevention-based protection, in particular policies on transport,
the environment and civil protection and the common fisheries policy. As far as the common fisheries
invite the social partners to identify measures aimed at
policy is concerned,
improving living, working and safety conditions in the fisheries sector, to strengthen the role of women
within the sector and to contribute to job creation, notably among young people, in the regions which
depend on this sector.

the Commission will

(1) COM(2002) 118 final.

(2003/C 137 E/164)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2999/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Measures to reduce fisheries accidents

The Commission’s CFP reform proposal’s elimination of fleet renewal subsidies, given the high average age
of the vessels, is a time bomb since the fleet will, as it ages, become less efficient, less profitable and less
safe.