Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes with regret that once again the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's reply to the comments it had been making for many years on the need for legislation to give effect to Article 2 (requirement of a physical fitness certificate for employment on a fishing vessel), Article 3 (nature of the medical examination), Article 4 (period of validity of certificates) and Article 5 (possibility of a further medical examination). The Government indicates that it is the Liberian Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) which gives effect to the Convention. It further states that Liberian Maritime Regulation 10.325(2) gives effect to the other provisions of the Convention. The Committee refers to its comments under Convention No. 112 regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to fishing vessels. It hopes the Government will also provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would indicate whether consultations with the fishing-boat owners' and fishermen's organizations concerned, if they exist, had taken place prior to the adoption of the applicable laws and regulations on the nature of the medical examination and the particulars to be included in the medical certificate as required by Article 3, paragraph 1. In addition the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide particulars on how due regard is had to the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed, in prescribing the nature of the examination as required by Article 3, paragraph 2.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.