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Freak waves are unique phenomena that appear unexpectedly on the ocean surface. These waves are not only a danger to fishermen and yachtsmen, but are also capable of damaging large vessels and offshore and coastal structures. The available field measurements that provide insight into the origin and physics of freak waves are very limited. The main objective of the present study was to analyze a unique set of wave data comprising 19,025 wind-wave records from the southern Baltic Sea to provide information on the occurrence, parameters, and prevailing conditions of the formation of freak waves. The complex nature of freak waves was investigated by obtaining spectral and statistical parameters of freak-wave-prone sea states using a wide set of tools. The study revealed a large number of freak-type waves, including waves over 12 m high. The study indicates that these hazardous waves may even exceed 20 m during severe storms in the Baltic Sea. Multi-point wind-wave measurements are needed to provide more information about the physics of freak waves and to eventually develop a prediction or warning system to avoid casualties.

Temporary Agency Work in EU LegislationSummaryThe article is about the history of the temporary agency work in EU Legislation. The temporary agency work is an increasingly significant form of employment It involves a triangular arrangement in which an agency intermediates between the worker and the user enterprise in arranging temporary employment assignments. The regulation of temporary work in the European Union has been contentious for over twenty years since the Commission first proposed a directive in in 1982. The negotiations of the European Social Partners towards an EU – wide Collective Agreement on temporary work were broken down in 2002. The adoption was never immediate. There is only one directive in EU, adopted in 1991 which concerns temporary work and fixed term contracts and deals with the safety at work (Directive 91/383 of 25 June 1991). The article attempts to shows the main causes for establishing a suitable framework for temporary workers in the EU and the reasons for ceasing the Directive Project in 2002. The author also analyses the most important issues of the proposal of a Directive: equal treatment of temporary workers, collective representation, training and development opportunities. It is also an actual issue at the moment because the Portugal Presidency started working on the project of a directive concerning temporary work in 2007.