Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Accommodation of Crews (Fishermen) Convention, 1966 (No. 126) - Panama (Ratification: 1971)

Article 3 of the Convention. Implementing legislation – System of inspection. The Committee recalls its previous comment in which it expressed its hope that the Government would envisage revising the record of approved crew accommodation details (RACAD) in order to better reflect the requirements of Articles 6(2), 9(5), 10(2), 10(26) and 13 of the Convention. The Government indicates that it has initiated the revision of the inspection form and that it is planning to issue two different inspection forms, one for vessels covered by the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), and another for fishing vessels. In addition, the Government indicates that the Committee’s comments will be duly taken into account during the aforementioned revision process. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the new crew accommodation inspection report form for fishing vessels once it is finalized.

In addition, the Committee notes that under section 15 of Resolution No. 011-2005 of 26 July 2005, the Directorate General of Seafarers (DGS) may issue an exemption or dispense letter which would indicate the provisions of this Convention that would no longer be complied with, the reasons for granting the waiver and any alternative compliance measures. Recalling that the same point has been raised under the Accommodation of Crews Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 92), the Committee requests the Government to provide additional explanations on the exact conditions under which, and the limits within which, exemptions may be granted. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of any exemption or dispense letters that may have been issued by the DGS.

Finally, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that the possible ratification of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), has not so far been considered as at present all the emphasis is placed on the preparation of the legislation implementing the MLC, 2006. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any progress made in this regard.