ROME – Confitarma expresses full satisfaction for the definitive approval of the Simplifications Bill by the Chamber of Deputies, a measure that introduces expected and necessary measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the national fleet and to concretely improve the operations of the maritime sector.
The text confirms important simplification provisions for maritime transport, in particular the amendment of articles 328, 329 and 331 of the Navigation Code, which makes structural the simplification of crew recruitment procedures already introduced during the Covid emergency and allows for the use of digital methods for the recruitment of the Master.
This is a measure that Confitarma, together with the Trade Unions, has firmly supported in the institutional arena and which represents a concrete step forward towards a more modern, efficient system that adheres to international standards, allowing for faster and safer management of crew recruitment, reducing administrative burdens that have weighed on companies and the work of seafarers for years. It is necessary to accompany this important innovation with the digitalization of the validation of crew contracts and all ship’s papers and logs, so that these bureaucratic obligations can be fulfilled electronically, overcoming the cumbersome paper-based systems that also require the physical presence of operators at the Maritime and Consular Authorities.
The extension of the possibilities for applying the exemption from the annotation of embarkation and disembarkation provided for by art. 172-bis is also envisaged, an intervention that contributes to making the management of onboard human resources more fluid.
Among the qualifying elements of the decree, Confitarma also highlights the provision that delegates to the Government – via a Presidential Decree prepared by the Minister of Health, in agreement with the competent ministries – the reorganization of the regulations for the health service on board national merchant ships, finally overcoming a regulatory framework dating back to 1895.
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Confitarma hopes that this reform too, which is fundamental to guaranteeing seafarers health protection conditions that meet international standards and the operational needs of the modern fleet, will be characterized by the simplification and modernization of administrative obligations and by facilitating access to the profession of ship’s doctor.
With the definitive approval of the measure, the commitment made by the Government and Parliament towards a strategic sector for the country is confirmed, introducing measures that respond to concrete needs and that contribute to strengthening the efficiency of the Sea Economy.
“The simplification and digitalization of maritime work are essential conditions to support the competitiveness of the national fleet – underlines the president of Confitarma Mario Zanetti –. Parliament has sent an important signal, listening to the needs of our industry and providing long-awaited answers. It is a step forward that enhances the professionalism of Italian seafarers and provides more modern tools to our companies.”
Confitarma looks with interest to the next measures under discussion, from the “Valorizzazione Risorsa Mare” Bill to the Budget Law, renewing its maximum institutional collaboration to continue on the path of modernizing the entire sector.
