§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for changes to the certification requirements for officers serving on United Kingdom registered merchant ships.
§ Mr. PortilloI am today placing in the Library of the House a copy of a consultation paper issued by the Department which invites comments on proposals for changes to the certification requirements for officers serving on United Kingdom registered merchant vessels.
The changes would allow holders of certificates of competency issued by any member state of the European Community to serve as junior officers on board United Kingdom vessels. Such changes would be compatible with our obligations under Community law and would provide shipping companies operating on the United Kingdom register with greater flexibility in manning their vessels. If adopted, the changes would come into effect early next year.
The paper considers the implications of the changes for the safety of United Kingdom ships, the employment prospects for British seafarers, and United Kingdom's defence requirements. It also considers the case for extending recognition beyond the European Community. Comments are invited by 20 January 1989.