Annex Declaration by [insert name of the contracting Member State]

[Insert name of the contracting Member State] considers that the [Insert name of the relevant Code] contains a set of minimum requirements on which States can elaborate and improve as appropriate for the enhancement of maritime safety and the protection of the environment.

In particular, as regards the [Insert name of the relevant Code], [Insert name of the contracting Member State] wishes to make clear that nothing in the said Code shall be construed to restrict or limit in any way the fulfilment of its obligations under the law of the European Union in relation to:

• the definition of ‘statutory certificates’ and ‘class certificates’,

• the scope of the obligations and criteria laid down for recognised organisations,

• the duties of the European Commission as regards the recognition, assessment and, where appropriate, the imposition of corrective measures or sanctions on recognised organisations.

In the case of an IMO audit, [Insert name of the contracting Member State] will state that only compliance with those provisions of the relevant international conventions which [Insert name of the contracting Member State] has accepted, including in the terms of this declaration, shall be verified.