HC Deb 04 February 2002 vol 379 cc733-4W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures have been introduced since 1997 to improve the safety of seamen involved in merchant shipping and fishing. [31710]

Mr. Jamieson

The United Kingdom is a signatory to all international maritime Conventions, a number of which have been updated since 1997 to enhance the safety of seafarers. In particular we will have fully met our international obligations with respect to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 as amended in 1995, by the date of its implementation on 1 February 2002. The Convention requirements will apply to all officers and crew serving on UK registered merchant ships and includes the introduction of mandatory safety and up-grade training for certificate of service holders and fishermen serving on certain categories of merchant ships.

Further, the United kingdom has fully participated in the development of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is closely liaising with the fishing industry with respect to implementation.

Additionally a joint UK/EU funded programme for safety training for fishermen was introduced on 1 April 2001. This programme will run for three years and introduces a 'safety awareness course' as an additional requirement to the Fishing Vessels (Safety Training) Regulations 1989 and allocates funding for this and other basic training.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proposals he has to strengthen the rules on flags of convenience. [31711]

Mr. Jamieson

Our primary concern is with the safety of those who crew and travel on ships, and with the protection of the marine environment. Analysis suggests that some open registers have a better safety and environmental performance than some of the more traditional maritime flags. We are working with like-minded states within the International Maritime Organisation, including the more reform-minded open registers, to raise the level of flag state performance. The wider shipping industry is also making a helpful contribution within the context of the international Quality Shipping Campaign.