Ukraine proposes updated safety and security measures for navigation on the Danube

Ukraine proposed to adopt an updated version of the document – “Basic Provisions on Ensuring the Safety of Navigation on the Danube”.

This was reported by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

On Wednesday, March 12, a meeting of experts on the protection of inland waterway transport of the Danube Commission (DC) was held in Budapest at the headquarters of the DC.

As part of the event, the Ukrainian delegation, headed by Deputy Minister for Development of Comminities and Territories Andriy Kashuba, proposed updated measures for the safety and security of navigation on the Danube.

The main issue was the update of recommendations for ensuring the safety of navigation on the Danube. The Ukrainian side proposed to amend the current document, making it mandatory for all member states of the Danube Commission.

The Ukrainian delegation drew the attention of the experts on the protection of inland waterway transport of the Danube Commission to the problems with the implementation of current safety and security standards on the Danube.

“A survey of shipowners showed that the vast majority of vessels do not have the necessary documents, including: a Ship Security Plan, an International Ship Security Certificate. Also, there are often no specially designated security officers on board, and crew training is not carried out properly,” the ministry noted.

Ukraine proposed adopting an updated version of the document — “Basic Provisions on Ensuring the Safety of Navigation on the Danube”. As a result, the document will contain clear requirements for ports and vessels, strengthen control over their compliance and take into account the experience of Ukrainian ports in wartime conditions.

It should be noted that the Ukrainian side called on international partners to support this initiative and strengthen coordination of efforts for the safety and security of navigation in the Danube region.

The results and recommendations of the meeting of experts on the security of inland waterway transport will be submitted to the next session of the Danube Commission.

As previously reported by USM, earlier this year the Danube Commission abolished the status of Russian as a working language of the organization.