Presidential Decree No. 49 implementing Directive 2002/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system.

The purpose of this Decree is to adopt the Greek legislative frame with the provisions of Directive 2002/59/EC establishing in the European Community a vessel traffic monitoring and information system with a view to enhancing the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic, improving the response of authorities to incidents, accidents or potentially dangerous situations at sea, including search and rescue operations, and contributing to a better prevention and detection of pollution by ships. The Decree adopts all provisions of the Directive and the five Annexes connected thereto. The Merchant Marine Ministry, which is the competent authority for the provisions of the present Decree, has the obligation to report to the Commission by 5 February 2007 on the progress in implementing this Directive and, in particular, the provisions of articles 9, 10, 18, 20, 22, 23 and 25. By 31 December 2009 must report to the Commission on the full implementation of the Directive. Without prejudice to article 13, paragraph 3 to this Decree, sanctions for the breach of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive shall be applied, in compliance with article 45 of Legislative Decree No. 187/1973, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 380/2001.