HC Deb 05 May 1994 vol 242 c594W
Ms Eagle

To 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. Norris

The 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 Eagle

To 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. Norris

The information that we have about other member states indicates that they require the following minimum numbers of nationals for vessels on their register:

  1. Belgium—Master
  2. Denmark—Master. On vessels 9000 grt or more—Master, plus three ratings
  3. France—Master plus one officer
  4. Germany—Master
  5. Greece—All officers and 60 per cent. of total complement
  6. Republic of Ireland—All crew above deckhands must have Irish certificate of competency or recognised equivalent
  7. Italy—EU nationals only
  8. Luxembourg—Master should be EC national
  9. Netherlands—Master
  10. Portuguese—All
  11. 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.

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