§ Ms EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with his European Union counterparts on the formation of a European Union ship register; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe Commission first put forward proposals for an additional register for Community vessels in 1989. There have been various discussions between the Commission and member states since then and I understand that the Commission is now considering whether to make further formal proposals.
§ Ms EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the minimum number of nationals in its crew required for a ship to be registered under the national flag in each of the appropriate member states of the European Union.
§ Mr. NorrisThe information that we have about other member states indicates that they require the following minimum numbers of nationals for vessels on their register:
- Belgium—Master
- Denmark—Master. On vessels 9000 grt or more—Master, plus three ratings
- France—Master plus one officer
- Germany—Master
- Greece—All officers and 60 per cent. of total complement
- Republic of Ireland—All crew above deckhands must have Irish certificate of competency or recognised equivalent
- Italy—EU nationals only
- Luxembourg—Master should be EC national
- Netherlands—Master
- Portuguese—All
- Spain—Master and First Officer
The United Kingdom currently requires that the master, chief mate and chief engineer must be British, Irish or Commonwealth citizens.