No L 319/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 12. 94 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 94/58/EC of 22 November 1994 on the minimum level of training of seafarers THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 84 (2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2), Acting in acordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189¢ of the Treaty (3), Whereas in its conclusions of 25 January 1993 on maritime safety and pollution prevention in the Community, the Council noted the importance of the human element in the safe operation of ships; Whereas in its resolution of 8 June 1993 on a common policy on safe seas (4), the Council set the objective of removing substandard crews and gave priority to Community action aiming at enhancing training and education by developing common standards for minimum training levels of key personnel, including the question of a common language on board Community vessels; Whereas the standards of training for the award of vocational competency certificates to seafarers vary from one Member State to another; whereas such a diversity of national laws in the area of training covered by this Directive does not ensure the consistent level of training required in the interests of maritime safety; Whereas  Council  Directive  89/48/EEC (5)  and 92/51/EEC (6) on the general systems for the recognition of professional education and training apply to maritime (1) O] No C 212, 5. 8. 1993, p. 1. (2) O] No C 34, 2. 2. 1994, p. 10. (3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 9 March 1993 (O] No C 91, 28. 3. 1994, p. 120), Council common position of 19 September 1994 (O] No C 301, 27. 10. 1994, p. 41) and Decision of the European Parliament of 16 November 1994 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (#) OJ No C 271, 7. 10. 1993, p. 1 (’) O] No L 19, 24. 1. 1989, p. 16 (6) O] No L 209, 24. 7. 1992, p. 25 radio operator in order to occupations covered by this Directive; whereas they will help promote compliance with the obligations laid down in the Treaty abolishing obstacles to the free movement of persons and services between Member States; Whereas the mutual recognition of diplomas and certificates provided for under the general systems Directives does not always ensure a standardized level of training for all seafarers serving on board vessels flying the flag of a Member State including ships registered in Euros once that register is approved by the Council; whereas this is, however, vital from the viewpoint of maritime safety; Whereas it is therefore essential to define a minimum level of training for seafarers in the Community; whereas it is appropriate that the action in this field should be based on the standards of training already agreed at international level, namely the IMO Convention on Standards of Training, certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, (STCW Convention); whereas all Member States are parties to that Convention; Whereas the amendment to STCW of 22 May 1991 {Resolution MSC 21 (59)) introduces the funcion of conform to the GMDSS-requirements; " Whereas in order to enhance maritime safety and prevent loss of human life and maritime pollution, communication among crew members on board ships sailing in Community waters should be improved; Whereas personnel on board passenger ships nominated to assist passengers in emergency situations should be able to communicate with the passengers; whereas in this context, all relevant provisions of IMO Resolution A.770 (18) on minimum training requirements for personnel nominated to assist passengers in emergency situations on passenger ships should be taken into account;