On October 20th 2005, the EU RIS Framework Directive of the European Union (2005/44/EC - OJ L 255,30.09.2005) entered into force. The deadline for transportation in the EU Member States was October 20th 2007.
The Directive is applicable to all waterways of class IV or higher across the European Union and provides binding rules for the authorities on the implementation of RIS services according to agreed regulations.
The framework directive aims
To implement the RIS directive the EC issued Directive 2007/414/EC. The RIS Guidelines, entered into force on 24/04/2007 (OJ L 105, 23.4.2007). The RIS Guidelines describe a systematic procedure to develop new guidelines, including the user groups to be consulted.
The EC RIS guidelines are applicable for the traffic and transport on inland waterways - the traffic of cargo vessels, passenger vessels and pleasure craft - in connection with valid national and international regulations, recommendations and guidelines
The RIS Guidelines take account of work carried out by relevant international organizations. They may be complemented by detailed guidelines and standards for applications in specific parts of the world.
EU ERI Legislation
On 6 March 2010, the Commission Regulation EC/2010/164 (of 25 January 2010) was published in the Official Journal (OJ L057) containing specifications for electronic ship reporting in inland navigation (as indicated to be further elaborated on in Article 5 of Directive 2005/44 - see above). Read http://eur-lex.europa.eu/JOIndex.do?year=2010&serie=L&textfield2=57&Submit=Search&_submit=Search&ihmlang=en