The Malta Sociological Association notes the EU AI Technical update of passenger ship safety standards proposal. The proposal is welcome insofar as it updates and clarifies passenger ship safety standards. However, passenger ship safety should not be understood only as a technical matter. It is also a question of social infrastructure, island connectivity, labour conditions, accessibility, public trust and blue economy governance. The Commission should therefore accompany the technical update with a concise Social Impact Assessment, paying particular attention to island and peripheral regions, vulnerable passengers, crew working conditions, small operators, accessibility, emergency communication and the continuity of essential passenger services. This would strengthen the proposal’s legitimacy, proportionality and practical effectiveness.
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