B4-1008/96

Resolution on the revision of ILO Convention 109 concerning working time for seafarers

The European Parliament,

- having regard to ILO Convention 109,

- having regard to Council Directive 93/104/EEC concerning certain aspects of the organization of working time (( OJ L 307, 13.12.1993, p. 18.)),

- having regard to the Commission's Medium Term Social Action Programme 1995-97 (( Social Europe 1/95.)),

- having regard to Council Directive 95/21/EC concerning the enforcement, in respect of shipping using Community ports and sailing in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Member States, of international standards for ship safety, pollution prevention and shipboard living and working conditions (port state control) (( OJ L 157, 7.7.1995, p. 1.)),

A. whereas according to the Commission 80% of all accidents at sea are caused by human error; whereas fatigue and overwork are fundamental factors contributing to human error,

B. whereas Transport Joint Committees have for the air, maritime and rail sectors agreed to include non-mobile staff within the scope of Directive 93/104/EC mentioned above,

C. whereas the adoption and ratification of a revised ILO Convention 109 would be a first step to extending Directive 93/104/EC to the maritime sector; whereas in December 1994 governments, employers and unions concluded a preparatory agreement on a revision of Convention 109,

D. whereas it is essential, for the safety of shipping and the living and working conditions of seafarers, that all ships, regardless of flag and the nationality of the crew, should be subject to the same stringent legislation on working time,

1. Calls on the Member States to adopt and ratify a revised ILO Convention 109;

2. Asks the Commission and Member States to ensure the implementation of a revised Convention 109 through port state control;

3. Considers the implementation of the revised Convention 109 as a first step to ensuring that the maritime sector is eventually covered by the provisions of Directive 93/104/EC;

4. Considers that there is an important link between on the one hand the quality of working conditions and professional training and on the other maritime safety and environmental protection;

5. Asks the Commission to propose urgent measures to stop the 'flagging out¨ of the European fleet, a phenomenon which has an important impact on unemployment, working conditions, maritime safety and environmental protection;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments of the Member States.