The Finnish Government is proposing changes to the law concerning crew and safe operation of ships. The new proposed amendments would allow deviating from minimum safe manning and watchkeeping requirements temporarily, which would enable trials of new technical innovations in maritime.
The Government gave their draft of the amendment to the Parliament on 12th April 2018.
The amendment would significantly strengthen the Finnish maritime industry’s position as a forerunner in maritime transport’s digitalization in ship automation.
The trials would be possible in separately defined areas or seaways. The trial permits, granted by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency, would be granted to each trial separately for maximum of two years. The amendment would enable trials for example in the Jaakonmeri test area on the west coast of Finland.
Vessels operating in the Finnish traffic zone I and II would be released from the requirement of having a manning certificate. The certificate would be replaced with general minimum requirements for manning.
In its part, the draft is enhancing the efforts towards the Finnish Government’s key objective in streamlining regulation. The amendment is expected to enter into force on 1st July 2018.
Read more about smart maritime opportunities in Helsinki: helsinkibusinesshub.fi/smartmaritime
