Legislative proposal to streamline maritime regulation circulated for comments

The Ministry of Transport and Communications is inviting comments on a draft government proposal and draft decrees concerning maritime regulation. The aim of the proposed amendments is to clarify and harmonise the regulation of maritime safety, qualifications and supervision. The deadline for submitting comments is 18 June 2026.

The amendments in the draft government proposal would apply to the Act on Ships’ Crews and the Safety Management of Ships, the Act on the Technical Safety and Safe Operation of Ships , the Act on Transport Services, the Maritime Act and the Water Traffic Act. Amendments are also proposed to the Decree on the Manning of Ships and Certification of Seafarers. In addition, the Government Decree on the Qualification Requirements of Nominated Surveyors, Tonnage Admeasurers and Inspectors would be replaced with a new government decree concerning experience and competence requirements. The amendments aim to reduce the administrative burden and streamline regulation. They promote maritime safety and align national provisions with international obligations.

The need for changes and harmonisation in maritime regulation was identified in a survey carried out as part of the productivity programme in the Ministry of Transport and Communications branch of government. 

The proposed legislative amendments would affect in particular the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom’s supervisory powers in maritime matters. The new regulation would expand Traficom’s powers, for example in the supervision of ship safety, inspection and measuring practices and in the assessment of safe manning documents. In addition, provisions on seafarer qualifications would be specified and made more flexible. In waterborne traffic, Traficom would also be given the authority to address any failure to install the required navigational aids, while greater flexibility would be allowed in provisions on the temporary closure of water areas.

What’s next?

Comments on the draft government proposal and decree amendments may be submitted at lausuntopalvelu.fi until 18 June 2026. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will take the feedback from the public consultation into account as it continues the law drafting.

The government proposal is due to be submitted to Parliament in autumn 2026, followed by the amendments to the decrees.

Inquiries:

Väinö Pitkänen, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 342 127, [email protected]
Katja Viertävä, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 612, [email protected]
Laura Sarlin, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 063, [email protected]