Characteristics for EU fishing vessels

 

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) 2017/1130 — EU fishing vessel standards

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THIS REGULATION?

It sets out the definitions of the technical characteristics of EU fishing vessels.

It revises and repeals Regulation (EEC) No 2930/86 in line with the EU’s commitment to simplifying and clarifying EU law.

KEY POINTS

The regulation sets standards for the length, the breadth, the tonnage, the engine power and the date of entry into service for fishing vessels in the EU.

These definitions are in line with those contained in the following international conventions:

• the United Nations Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High Seas, 1958;
• the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969;
• the International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977.

Length of a vessel — the length overall, defined as the distance in a straight line between the foremost point of the bow and the aftermost point of the stern. The length overall is measured in metres with an accuracy of two decimals.

Breadth of a vessel — the maximum breadth as defined in Annex I to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships. The overall breadth is measured in metres with an accuracy of two decimals.

Gross tonnage of fishing vessels with a length overall equal to, or greater than, 15 metres is measured as specified in Annex I to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships.

Gross tonnage of fishing vessels with a length overall of less than 15 metres is measured in accordance with the formula set out in Annex I to this regulation.

Engine power is the total of the maximum continuous power which can be obtained at the flywheel of each engine and which can, by mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or other means, be applied to vessel propulsion. However, where a gearbox is incorporated into the engine, the power is measured at the gearbox output flange. No deduction can be made in respect of auxiliary machines driven by the engine. The unit in which engine power is expressed shall be the kilowatt (kW).

Continuous engine power is determined in accordance with the requirements adopted by the International Organisation for Standardisation in its recommended International Standard ISO 3046/1, second edition, October 1981. The European Commission may adopt delegated acts to adapt the reference to the relevant ISO International Standard setting out the requirements for the determination of the continuous engine power to technical progress.

Date of entry into service is the date of the first issue of an official safety certificate. However, it may be the date of the first entry in an official register of fishing vessels:

• if an official safety certificate is not issued; or
• in the case of fishing vessels which entered into service before 1 December 1986.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 20 July 2017. Regulation (EU) 2017/1130 revised and replaced Regulation (EEC) No 2930/86 (and its subsequent amendments).

BACKGROUND

Due to the fact that EU legislation governing the characteristics of fishing vessels had been amended several times, the rules have been recast in the interests of clarity to ensure that fishing activities in the EU can be pursued under uniform conditions.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Regulation (EU) 2017/1130 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 defining characteristics for fishing vessels (recast) (OJ L 169, 30.6.2017, pp. 1-7)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2930/86 of 22 September 1986 defining characteristics for fishing vessels (OJ L 274, 25.9.1986, pp. 1-2)

Successive amendments to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2930/86 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only

last update 05.12.2017