Europe agrees on improved protocols for investigating maritime accidents

The Council presidency and European Parliament negotiators have reached a provisional agreement to revise the 2009 directive on the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector. This proposed legislation is part of the broader ‘maritime safety’ legislative package, aiming to streamline accident investigations and improve safety standards, particularly for smaller fishing vessels. The revised directive seeks to simplify and clarify existing accident investigation regimes while extending its scope to include fishing vessels less than 15 meters in length. This expansion ensures that accidents involving fatalities and vessel losses are systematically and harmoniously investigated, enhancing the safety of fishing operations in Europe.

The agreement aims to enhance maritime accident investigations in Europe by improving safety standards and streamlining accident investigations, particularly for smaller fishing vessels. The proposed legislation is part of the broader ‘maritime safety’ legislative package and seeks to simplify and clarify existing accident investigation regimes while extending its scope to include fishing vessels less than 15 meters in length. This expansion ensures that accidents involving fatalities and vessel losses are systematically and harmoniously investigated, enhancing the safety of fishing operations in Europe. The revised directive is a significant step towards enhancing maritime safety and ensuring that accidents in the maritime transport sector are thoroughly investigated.

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