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The Committee takes note with interest of the replies to its previous comments contained in the Government's report. It would appreciate additional information on the following points:

Article 5(2) of the Convention. The Committee notes that the regulation allowing coastal fishing vessels of up to 125 GRT in a restricted deep-sea fishing area exceptionally not to carry an officer equivalent to a certificated mate - provided that an additional crew member is on board - was adopted long before the Convention was ratified; and that this is regarded as an "acquired right" of the enterprises concerned which does not affect the total number of crew or cause any danger, and to abolish which would mean the enterprises were no longer viable. The Committee recalls that the Convention requires all fishing vessels over 100 GRT engaged in operations and areas to be defined by national legislation to carry a certificated mate. It hopes the next report will include details of any practical difficulties arising in this respect and of any changes in the situation.

Article 14(1) and Part III of the report form. The Committee hopes that future reports will contain all due information on the organization and working of the system of inspection.