Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 118a thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission^f1, drawn up after consultation with the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work,

In cooperation with the European Parliament^f2,

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee^f3,

Whereas the Commission communication on its programme concerning safety, hygiene and health at work^f4 envisages measures to ensure medical treatment at sea;

Whereas the safety and health of workers on board a vessel, which constitutes a workplace involving a wide range of risks, bearing in mind, inter alia, its geographical isolation, where appropriate, require special attention;

Whereas vessels should have adequate medical supplies, kept in good order and checked at regular intervals, so that workers can obtain the necessary medical treatment at sea;

Whereas, in order to ensure appropriate medical treatment at sea, training and information of seafarers should be encouraged as regards the use of medical supplies;

Whereas the use of long-distance medical-consultation methods constitutes an efficient way of contributing to the protection of the safety and health of workers,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: