25.6.2009 Official Journal of the European Union L 1631 (Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory) DIRECTIVES DIRECTIVE 2009/45/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 6 May 2009 on safety rules and standards for passenger ships (Recast) (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 80(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), Having consulted the Committee of the Regions, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3), Whereas: (1) Council Directive 98/18/EC of 17 March 1998 on safety rules and standards for passenger ships () has been substantially amended several times (*. Since further amendments are to be made, it should be recast in the interests of clarity. () OJ C 151, 17.6.2008, p. 35. (%) Opinion of the European Parliament of 21 October 2008 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 23 April 2009. () OJ L 144, 15.5.1998, p. 1. (*) See Annex IV, Part A. ) O] O] 0] Within the framework of the common transport policy measures must be adopted to enhance safety in maritime transport. The Community is seriously concerned about shipping casualties in which passenger ships were involved resulting in a massive loss of life. Persons using passenger ships and high-speed passenger craft throughout the Community have the right to expect and to rely on an appropriate level of safety on board. Work equipment and personal protective equipment of workers are not covered by this Directive, because the provisions of Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (°) and the relevant provisions of its relevant indi- vidual directives are applicable to the use of such equipment on passenger ships engaged on domestic voyages. The provision of maritime passenger transport services between Member States has already been liberalised by Council Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86 of 22 December 1986 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport between Member States and between Member States and third countries (°). The application of the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within Member States (maritime cabotage) has been provided for by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 (). L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1. L 378, 31.12.1986, p. 1. L 364, 12.12.1992, p. 7.