1 INTRODUCTION

Since the first edition of this book (2001), there has been a raft of innovative developments by both the EU and IMO in legislation to combat substandard ships, insist on the implementation of risk assessment practices and reinforce a culture of safety at sea. Since the second edition, in 2007, the EU has shown a particular deter-mination to implement the Erika III measures. It is pleasing to witness, finally, the EU and IMO working in harmony together in their common goal for safer, cleaner and secure seas, although it seems that the impatience of the Commission has driven the implementation of regulation at a much faster pace.