Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Medical Examination (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 113) - Bulgaria (Ratification: 1961)

Article 4(1) of the Convention. Validity of medical certificates The Committee had requested the Government to take appropriate action to ensure that the validity of medical certificates for young fishers does not exceed one year. The Committee takes note, in this regard, of the adoption of Ordinance No. N-11 of 30 April 2014 laying down the requirements for medical fitness of seafarers in Bulgaria. It notes the Government’s indication that this Ordinance prescribes: (a) the issuance of a medical certificate for seafarers; (b) the nature of the medical examination and the particulars to be included in the medical certificate; (c) the period of validity of the medical certificate, in particular for young persons; and (d) the possibility of further examination by an independent medical referee in case of refusal. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether Ordinance No. N-11 of 30 April 2014 applies to fishers and, if not, to indicate the laws and regulations implementing the requirements of the Convention.

Furthermore, the Committee notes Council Directive (EU) 2017/159 of 19 December 2016 implementing the Agreement concerning the implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 of the International Labour Organization, concluded on 21 May 2012 between the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives in the European Union (COGECA), the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the Association of National Organizations of Fishing Enterprises in the European Union (Europêche). According to its Article 4(1), Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 15 November 2019. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any new laws or regulations related to the Convention adopted in the context of the implementation of the abovementioned Directive.