Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

Food and Catering (Ships' Crews) Convention, 1946 (No. 68) - Egypt (Ratification: 1982)

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Please clarify whether Order No. 166 of 1961 is still effective or whether it was replaced by Order No. 36 of 1994.

Article 1, paragraph 2. Please indicate specific provisions of national laws or regulations which establish the definition of a "seagoing vessel".

Article 2, paragraph (a). Please indicate: (i) which legislation governs the construction, location, ventilation, heating, lighting, water system and equipment of galleys and other catering department spaces on board ship, including store rooms and refrigerated chambers; and (ii) which authority is responsible for its enforcement.

Article 2, paragraph (d). The Committee asks the Government to indicate: (i) how the functions described in subparagraph (d) are discharged; and (ii) whether they are carried out by the competent authority or in virtue of collective agreements, and, in the latter case, to indicate relevant provisions of the collective agreements.

Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 2. Please indicate specific arrangements made to ensure cooperation of the competent authority with shipowners’ and seafarers’ organizations and the national or local authorities concerned; and specific measures taken to ensure coordination between the activities of various authorities.

Article 5, paragraph 2(b). Please indicate specific provisions of national laws or regulations requiring the arrangement and equipment of the catering department in every vessel in such a manner as to permit the service of proper meals to the crew.

Article 9, paragraph 1. Please indicate whether inspectors have authority to make recommendations to the owner of a ship, or to the master or other person responsible, with a view to the improvement of the standard of catering.

Article 9, paragraph 2(b). The Committee asks the Government to indicate provisions of national laws or regulations prescribing penalties for any attempt to obstruct an inspector in the discharge of his duties.

Article 9, paragraph 3. Please indicate measures envisaged to ensure that the inspection service responsible for the supervision of the application of the Convention shall submit regularly to the competent authority reports framed on uniform lines.

Article 10, paragraphs 1 and 2. Please clarify which authority prepares an annual report as required under this provision of the Convention; and indicate the timing of issuance of the annual report.

Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the practical application of these provisions of the Convention.

Article 12, paragraphs 1-3. Please provide particulars on the specific measures taken by the competent authority to discharge the functions described in this Article.

Article 13. Please indicate to which authorities the certification of the catering department staff, and the collection and distribution of information has been entrusted.

The Committee also asks the Government to supply copies of the following documents:

-  Presidential Order No. 332 concerning the Department of Ports and Lighthouses;

-  the annual report prepared pursuant to Article 10; and

-  any manuals, brochures, etc., made available to the persons referred to in Article 12.