INTRODUCTION
During recent months smoking on the bridge of ships when under pilotage has been the cause of controversy between Pilots and Masters.
ACKNOWLEDGING
That the current European environment, with ever increasing restrictive practices, does not permit smoking in public or enclosed spaces and working areas.
That some shipping companies have a restrictive smoking policy.
NOTING
That smoking is not permitted on board vessels when loading, discharging or carrying dangerous cargoes except in designated smoking areas.
CONSIDERING
That the bridge of the ship must be considered a working area during a pilotage act.
EMPA recommends
1. Compliance with the National legislation with regard to smoking in public or enclosed spaces and working areas.
2. Compliance with onboard smoking procedures as determined by the Owner or Master of the vessel.
Adopted by the GM, Bremen, June 2007