Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

Article 1(c) and (d), of the Convention. In previous comments, the Committee noted that under section 7(1)(a), (c), (d) and (e) of the Seamen (Foreign) Act, Ch. 177, a seaman belonging to a foreign ship who deserts or commits certain other disciplinary offences is liable to imprisonment (involving an obligation to perform work). Under section 8 of the same Act and section 165 of the Merchant Shipping Act, foreign seamen deserting their ship may be forcibly returned on board ship. The Government had indicated that the Seamen (Foreign) Act was in the process of being repealed and the comments regarding section 165 of the Merchant Shipping Act were noted and would be considered during review of the Act. The Committee notes the Government's information in its latest report that it is the intention of the Department of Labour and Employment to recommend to the Department of Transport the changes required to bring legislation into conformity with the Convention. The Committee expresses the hope that the Government will soon be in a position to indicate that the necessary measures have been taken.