For safety reasons and in the interests of pan-European harmonisation, the content of such common requirements and technical specifications should build on work carried out in this field by relevant international organisations, such as the International Navigation Association (PIANC), the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine (CCNR) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

For safety reasons and in the interests of pan-European harmonisation, the content of such common requirements and technical specifications should build on work carried out in this field by relevant international organisations, such as the International Navigation Association (PIANC), the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine (CCNR) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

For safety reasons and in the interests of pan-European harmonisation, the content of such common requirements and technical specifications should build on work carried out in this field by relevant international organisations, such as the International Navigation Association (PIANC), the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine (CCNR) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Certain aspects of passenger transport by inland waterways are further covered by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3921/91 of 16 December 1991 laying down the conditions under which non-resident carriers may transport goods or passengers by inland waterways within a Member State (10) and by Council Regulation (EC) No 1356/96 of 8 July 1996 on common rules applicable to the transport of goods or passengers by inland waterway between Member States with a view to establishing freedom to provide such transport services (11).

1. This Directive applies to the implementation and operation of RIS on all inland waterways of the Member States of class IV and above which are linked by a waterway of class IV or above to a waterway of class IV or above of another Member State, including the ports on such waterways as referred to in Decision No 1346/2001/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 amending Decision No 1692/96/EC as regards seaports, inland ports and intermodal terminals as well as project No 8 in Annex III (7).

Whereas, in the light of work in hand on the formulation of a common transport policy, it is possible, as regards transport by rail, road and inland waterway, to envisage the introduction within a foreseeable period of rules of competition ; whereas, on the other hand, as regards sea and air transport it is impossible to foresee whether and at what date the Council will adopt appropriate provisions ; whereas accordingly a limit to the period during which Regulation No 17 shall not apply can be set only for transport by rail, road and inland waterway;