Member States which have inland waterways as referred to in Article 1(1) shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive with effect from 30 December 2008. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.

When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by Member States.

Member States shall immediately communicate to the Commission the text of the provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive. The Commission shall inform the other Member States thereof.