The public consultation on the draft amendments to the Ordinance on Navigation and the Border Regime in the Internal Maritime Waters, Territorial Sea and Inland Waterways of the Republic of Bulgaria has concluded. Four submissions from citizens and organisations were received during the 30-day consultation period.
The comments and observations submitted relate primarily to the “Water Parachute” (parasailing) service. They concern the regulation of the specifications and maintenance of technical equipment. The issue of recognising a vessel master’s parasailing qualification obtained in another Member State was also raised. The views expressed also included proposals to provide additional electronic channels for registering areas designated for water-based recreational activities and to ensure greater transparency of the results of the inspections carried out.
The submissions received will now be analysed and taken into account, after which the document will undergo the mandatory interministerial coordination procedure in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Council of Ministers.
Given the significance of the amendments and the introduction of new safety requirements for water-based recreational activities, the next key step before the Ordinance is finally adopted by the Council of Ministers will be its formal notification to the European Commission. The procedure will be initiated in accordance with the requirements of Directive (EU) 2015/1535 and the Services Activities Act. Once the notification has been submitted, a three-month standstill period will begin, during which the European Commission and the Member States may submit comments and opinions.