FRANCE REPORT In March 2002, the French Shipowners' Association launched an information campaign aiming at a heightening of public awareness to problems regarding shipping issues. The campaign which started by a public announcement concerning the name of the association (from Comité Central des Armateurs de France to Armateurs de France) stressed the advantages of using maritime transport in terms of environment, safety and competitiveness, and concentrated more particularly on the necessity to promote short sea shipping as an alternative to road transport. The campaign, which coincided with the legislative and presidential elections, was also a good opportunity to ask the candidates to take positive measures in favour of the french shipping sector. The elected candidate, Mr Chirac, was responsive to the demands formulated by Armateurs de France and declared that he would be in favour of the introduction of a tonnage tax in the very short term. In this respect, the French Senate has already adopted the legislative proposal concerning the tonnage tax. The Parliament will, in the coming months, go through the examination of the proposal and hopefully adopt it before the end of the year. The first contacts Armateurs de France had with the government have been positive for what concerns the implementation of the Kerguelen Register reform. The law introducing flexible manning rules has already been adopted. The relevant decree should be signed and published soon. The French start-up aid scheme to short sea services has finally been approved by the Commission. Armateurs de France has expressed its satisfaction and its hope that a consistent budget will be provided by the French government. Armateurs de France has taken contacts with the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Finance to discuss the possibility to obtain the tax exemption of seafarers. In 2001, the renewal of the French fleet has been carried on. Twenty-four ships were concerned: twelve second-hand ships integrated the fleet, and twelve new buildings were delivered. The average age equals 8.1 years. There are 208 ships under French flag representing 4.5 millions tjb and 6.28 millions tpl. As far as the improvement of safety is concerned, Armateurs de France has in different circumstances stressed upon the fact that French Shipowners have these last two years renewed 50% of the tanker fleet. They, of course, continue to support the setting up of the maritime safety agency in France whose coasts are exposed to important risks of pollution. In the field of training and recruitment of seafarers, Armateurs de France has intensified its contact with other industries (like fishing, yachting) who face similar problems. French Shipowners, either through their association or on an individual basis, have been involved in the organization of regional round tables concerning the problem of shortage of officers. They have also participated to several exhibitions dedicated to the promotion of maritime careers.