RESOLUTIONS FROM THE 20Th CESMA GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON 16 MAY 2015 (At the Principe Di Piemonte Centre, Viareggio).

Resolution nr. 1: Criminalisation of seafarers.

The 20^th Annual General Assembly in Viareggio, Italy, again noted that the problem of criminalisation of seafarers and of shipmasters in particular, continues to be a matter of great concern, although no recent cases were brought to our attention. CESMA urgently requests ship owners and/or operators to always provide legal assistance for masters, serving on their ships, in case of an incident as a consequence of which they are detained by local authorities, until, at least, a verdict has been pronounced. Moreover masters are urgently advised to consider taking a risk insurance, such as the Lloyd’s Insurance (Galleon Marine Insurance Agency) facilitated by a membership of the Nautical Institute,  into consideration. 

Resolution nr. 2: Piracy

The Assembly again discussed the problem of piracy against ships in various parts of the world, with attacks on ships in the West Africa area still frequent and violent. Although CESMA is still critical about the use of fire-arms on board, it maintains its position, that it does not oppose the employment of officially certified armed guard teams on board, either military or private, respecting the respective legislation in the various EU member states. It will adopt a practical position in line with European and international organisations on the condition that the authority of the master is efficaciously maintained, even when fire-arms have to be used. CESMA also insists on exact rules of engagement to be observed under all circumstances.

Resolution nr. 3:  Fatigue and safe manning.

The Assembly again discussed the problem of fatigue in the maritime industry. The requirement of a minimum of three certified bridge watch keepers, including the master, on each seagoing vessel of 500 GT and more, is still supported by CESMA. It still denounces the flexibility clause in the Manila amendments of the STCW convention, enabling the system of the six on six off watch schedule to be continued, as it affects maritime safety and the health of the seafarers concerned. The introduction of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) can only have a positive influence on condition that lists, showing work and rest periods, and to be inspected by Port State Control officers, are correctly completed at all times. 

Resolution no. 4: Safety of roro- and large passenger ships.

The Assembly again discussed the safety of roro- and large passenger ships as well as car carriers. Disembarking a great number of passengers and crew in an emergency situation continues to be a great concern. Damage stability is still not sufficiently observed also with regard to new buildings, notwithstanding the Stockholm agreement..

 Resolution nr. 5: Safety of life saving equipment.

The Assembly again shortly discussed the efficiency of life saving equipment on board some seagoing vessels including incidents and accidents during drills. It again urges the IMO and flag states to introduce proper legislation to improve safety and design of life saving equipment to avoid fatal accidents. Recent accidents show that lack of training and unskilled board personnel are to be blamed in many occurrences.

Resolution nr. 6: Employment of EU seafarers

Considering the shortage of employment opportunities for  EU officers on EU nation-flag vessels, CESMA again appeals to EU ship owners to create opportunities for young EU officers to start their careers on operational level and allow them to obtain managerial level. Also for cadets to create berths on board, enabling them to complete their practical education and training and obtain their certificates. In this way maritime knowledge and experience within the  EU maritime industry can be maintained. All efforts should be employed to interest young people in the EU to choose for a maritime career.

Resolution nr. 7: Illegal immigrants in the Mediterranean

The Assembly noted with concern the situation in the Mediterranean where illegal immigrants try to reach Europe by using unseaworthy craft which sometimes, due to overcrowding and bad condition, require assistance from rescue vessels, or in many cases, from merchant navy vessels nearby. According to the SOLAS Convention, ships are obliged to render assistance and take the immigrants on board. This could lead to dangerous situations whereby the crew is outnumbered by the quantity of immigrants. Moreover their intentions and medical condition is unknown, as most ships have no professional medical staff on board. As a consequence vessel and crew could be endangered. The Assembly wants to convey its concern to the European Commission and Parliament, as well as the IMO, in this respect, including the difficult position of the vessel’s master if he considers that taking the immigrants on board might endanger the safety of his crew and his vessel.  

Resolution nr. 8:  E-navigation

The Assembly discussed the possibilities of e-navigation to improve safety of navigation, as introduced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The various aspects were highlighted and the Assembly decided to follow developments. 

Resolution nr. 9: Future of simulator training in the maritime industry

The Assembly underlined the importance of simulator training in the maritime industry. However it rejects further exchanging of practical education and training by simulator training as stipulated in the “sea time equivalent” context.

(Viareggio 16^th May 2015)