31979H0114

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION of 21 December 1978 on the ratification of the 1978 International Convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers (79/114/EEC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 84 (2) thereof,

Whereas, at its meeting on 7 and 8 April 1978 in Copenhagen, the European Council declared that the Community should make the prevention and combating of marine pollution, particularly from hydrocarbons, a major objective;

Whereas, at its meeting on 6 and 7 July 1978 in Bremen, the European Council deemed it necessary, taking into account the proposals of individual Member States and the Commission, to take further measures to increase the safety of maritime traffic;

Whereas an International Convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers was adopted in London in July 1978;

Whereas, in the interests of shipping safety and the prevention of pollution, this Convention should enter into force as soon as possible ; whereas the early ratification of the Convention by the Member States would constitute a major contribution to the achievement of that objective,

HEREBY RECOMMENDS: - that the Member States sign the 1978 International Convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers by 1 April 1979 and ratify it as soon as possible and not later than 31 December 1980;

- that the Member States inform the Secretary-General of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization that they have signed and ratified the Convention in accordance with this recommendation.

Done at Brussels, 21 December 1978.

For the Council

The President

Otto Graf LAMBSDORFF