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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, in particular the latest amendments to the Seafarers Act of 1957, the Ships Officers Training Ordinance of 1992 and the Ships Crews Ordinance of 1998. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of the three revising instruments.

Article 5(2) of the Convention. Further to its previous comment on this point, the Committee notes the Government’s explanation that, under the Ships Crews Ordinance of 26 August 1998, shipowners are required to ensure that crew members are suitably qualified for their work. It once again requests the Government to explain how it is ensured in both law and practice that all fishing vessels over 100 gross registered tons carry a certificated mate, as required under this Article of the Convention.

Part V of the report form. Noting that the Government has not submitted in recent years information regarding the practical application of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide such information in its next report including, for instance, statistical data on the fishing vessels covered by the Convention, the number of persons taking the qualifying examination and the number of competency certificates delivered annually, inspection results showing the number and nature of any contraventions reported, etc.