EU investigating new small passenger ship code

The European Union is developing a new Code covering small passenger ships under 24m in length.

This Code is a result of the forthcoming removal of these ships from Directive 2009/45/EC on safety rules and standards for passenger ships. It is hoped that its development will pave the way for the use of the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Small Seagoing Passenger Ship Code for all seagoing passenger ships under 24m in length.

The European Commission has opened a consultation to obtain industry views on the Code and how to proceed. It is a targeted consultation in order to collect views of economic operators on the extent to which common EU rules for small passenger ships could benefit the internal market with small passenger ships.

The consultation also aims at gathering anecdotal evidence in support thereof and it is also possible to provide additional supporting information, beyond what is requested in the consultation questions.

While this Code will not enter into force before the UK leaves the European Union, given the UK’s obvious expertise and knowledge, and the fact it is still a member of the EU, UK responses to this consultation would be both welcome and beneficial.

If you are interested in responding to the questionnaire it is available at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/consultations/targeted-consultation-safety-goals-and-functional-requirements-small-passenger-ships_en

British Marine members who have questions about this consultation or about British Marine’s work with the passenger boat sector, may contact Ed Tuite at etuite@britishmarine.co.uk