CMNT_TITLE

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes the provisions of the new Merchant Shipping Code (Act No. 95-009 of 31 January 1995) and in particular sections 275 and 276 under which the conditions for obtaining licences, diplomas, certificates and permission to perform the duties of master or skipper, first officer, first chief engineer or officer are determined by order of the Ministry responsible for Merchant Shipping. The Committee also notes the Government's statement in its report to the effect that the Decrees should be adopted. The Committee recalls that similar provisions exist in the former Merchant Shipping Code (sections 80 and 81 of Act No. 78-043) and that the Government had indicated on various occasions in its previous reports that the conditions under which certificates of officers' competency are issued should be stipulated by Decree. Nevertheless, the Committee notes that the above Decrees have never been adopted and trusts that the legislation to give effect to this Article of the Convention will shortly be promulgated and that the Government will provide information in respect of any progress made in this regard.