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The Committee notes the information concerning the adoption of the Merchant Shipping (Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for Work on Board Fishing Vessels) Law, No. 160 of 2002, which entered into force on 1 January 2003.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Cyprus merchant shipping legislation does not distinguish between fishermen and seafarers, and that the legislation is applicable to all seafarers in general. It would be grateful if the Government could indicate: (i) specific provisions of the national legislation determining that the term "seafarer" includes fishermen as well; and (ii) specific provisions of the national legislation making the Merchant Shipping (Masters and Seamen) Law, No. 46 of 1963 (as amended) applicable to fishing vessels and fishermen employed therein.

The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that effect to Article 8 of the Convention is given by Part VIII of Law No. 13(III) of 1995 on the ratification of Convention No. 147. It recalls that in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 4(b), of Convention No. 147, that Convention does not apply to ships engaged in fishing or in whaling or in similar pursuits. The Committee would be grateful if the Government could indicate specific provisions of the national legislation making Law No. 13(III) of 1995 applicable to fishing vessels and fishermen employed therein.