CMNT_TITLE

In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to report on the advancement of the review of the Merchant Shipping Act and to advise as to when the regulations reinstating the seafarers’ identity document can be expected. It notes the Government’s response that a new Merchant Shipping Bill was under consideration at the State Law Office. Under the new Merchant Shipping Act, the Passport and Immigration Office will be the issuing authority of the seafarers’ identity documents (SID). Also, a technical committee has been set up by the Government to put these documents into effect. Furthermore, a new regulation to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention has been drafted by the Superintendent of Shipping and submitted to the State Law Office on 16 February 2005.

The Committee asks the Government to report on any progress made in this regard and to transmit a copy of the new act and regulation, when adopted.