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

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. In comments made for many years, the Committee referred to sections 221-224 and 225(1)(b), (c) and (e) of the 1894 United Kingdom Merchant Shipping Act which provide for the punishment of various disciplinary offences with imprisonment (involving an obligation to perform labour) and for the forcible conveyance of seamen on board ship to perform their duties.

In reports since 1970, the Government has indicated that the questions raised in relation to the Merchant Shipping Act were being studied; in its report for the period 1 July 1985 to 30 June 1987, the Government indicated that the final draft of the Jamaican Bill on Merchant Shipping was still under review. In its most recent report, the Government indicates that the legislation has not yet been submitted to Parliament and that progress in this regard will be reported from time to time.

The Committee hopes that the progress towards appropriate amendment of the legislation which has been reported over the years will continue and looks forward to the early enactment of the necessary amendments; it hopes that the Government will supply a copy of the new merchant shipping legislation when enacted.