Medical Examination (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 113) - Liberia (Ratification: 1960)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous comment

The Committee notes the Government’s reports on the application of Conventions Nos 112, 113 and 114. The Committee notes with regret that for several years it has requested the Government to provide information on the applicability of existing legislation to fishers. It notes the Government’s indication that Liberian maritime regulations are applicable to fishers only to the extent that the Act creating the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority is silent. The Committee notes that the latter does not appear to address the matters covered by the Conventions on fishing.

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on fishing, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine them in a single comment, as follows.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that Liberia had less COVID-19 caseload than most of the world; consequently, Liberian fishermen were not victimized by the large-scale lockdowns and were able to sell their products to the local market which they serve. Additionally, fishermen were given personal protective equipment by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority and received training. The Committee takes note of this information.

Minimum Age (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 112)

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. In its previous comments, the Committee observed that various provisions of the Liberian Maritime Law, RLM-107 (hereinafter the “Maritime Law”) regulating minimum age for working on board Liberian vessels (sections 290 and 326), exclude from their application cases where only members of the same family are employed on board and fishing vessels under a certain tonnage. Noting the Government’s indication that the Maritime Law is applicable to fishing vessels, the Committee recalls that the Convention applies to all fishing vessels irrespective of tonnage or of the fact that only members of the same family are employed on board. The Committee urges the Government to adopt the necessary measures without delay to ensure that the national provisions implementing the Convention apply to all fishing vessels covered by it.

Medical Examination (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 113)

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. Noting the Government’s information that existing legislation only applies to fishing vessels of 500 tons or more, the Committee requested the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that fishers employed on board fishing vessels of less than 500 tons are subject to the same medical certification requirements in accordance with the Convention. The Committee observes that: (i) the maritime legislation, including Regulation 10.325(3) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations RLM-108 (hereinafter the “Regulations”) on medical certificates of seafarers does not appear to apply to fishers; and (ii) there is no indication of other legislation applicable to fishers which implements the requirements of the Convention. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to take without delay the necessary measures to ensure that the requirements of the Convention are implemented with respect to all fishing vessels as defined under Article 1, irrespective of tonnage, and to transmit copy of any relevant text adopted to that effect.

Fishermen ’ s Articles of Agreement Convention, 1959 (No. 114)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Scope of application. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to explain how effect is given to the provisions of the Convention and to provide clarifications on the application of the existing legislation to fishing vessels. While noting the Government’s general statement on the application to fishers of the maritime regulations, the Committee notes the absence of information on any specific provisions implementing the Convention. Accordingly, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to give full effect to the Convention and, in this connection, to indicate the relevant provisions of the applicable legislation which give effect to each of the requirements of the Convention.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

The Committee notes that the Government’s reports have not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes the Government’s reports on the application of Conventions Nos 112, 113, and 114 on the fishing sector. In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on fishing, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine them together. The Committee requested the Government to clarify whether the Liberian Maritime Law, RLM 107 and the Liberian Maritime Regulations, RLM-108 were applicable to fishers. The Committee notes with regret that the Government has not provided the clarification requested in this regard.Therefore, recalling that for numerous years the Government has been requested to provide information on the applicability of existing legislation to fishers, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to give full effect to the provisions of the Conventions, taking into account the points raised in previous observations.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee notes with deep concern the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the protection of fishers’ rights as laid out in the Conventions.In this regard, the Committee refers to the resolution adopted by the Governing Body in its 340th Session (GB.340/Resolution) concerning maritime labour issues and COVID-19 disease, which calls on Member States to take measures to address the adverse impacts of the pandemic on fishers’ rights, and requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any temporary measures adopted in this regard, their duration and their impact on fishers’ rights.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes the Government’s reports on the application of Conventions Nos 112, 113, and 114 on the fishing sector. In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on fishing, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine them together.

The Committee requested the Government to clarify whether the Liberian Maritime Law, RLM 107 and the Liberian Maritime Regulations, RLM-108 were applicable to fishers. The Committee notes with regret that the Government has not provided the clarification requested in this regard. Therefore, recalling that for numerous years the Government has been requested to provide information on the applicability of existing legislation to fishers, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to give full effect to the provisions of the Conventions, taking into account the points raised in previous observations.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee notes with deep concern the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the protection of fishers’ rights as laid out in the Conventions. In this regard, the Committee refers to the resolution adopted by the Governing Body in its 340th Session (GB.340/Resolution) concerning maritime labour issues and COVID-19 disease, which calls on Member States to take measures to address the adverse impacts of the pandemic on fishers’ rights, and requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any temporary measures adopted in this regard, their duration and their impact on fishers’ rights.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes that in its reports sent on the application of a number of fishing Conventions the Government indicates that the Liberian Maritime Law, RLM 107 (hereinafter the “Maritime Law”) and the Liberian Maritime Regulations, RLM-108 (hereinafter the “Regulations”) were amended in 2013 addressing the Committee’s previous comments on the application of the Conventions, without providing any further information. Recalling that for more than 20 years the Government has been requested to provide information on the applicability of existing legislation to fishers and noting that it is not clear from the Government’s response whether there are adequate provisions in the amended texts to cover fishers, the Committee requests the Government once again to clarify this issue.

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues to be addressed in relation to the application of the fishing Conventions, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine them in a single comment, as follows.

Minimum Age (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 112)

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. Minimum age. The Committee notes that section 326(2) of the Maritime Law states that “persons under the age of 16 shall not be employed or work on Liberian vessels registered under this Title, except on vessels upon which only members of the same family are employed, school ships or training ships”. The Committee recalls that according to Article 2 of the Convention, children under the age of 15 years shall not be employed or work on fishing vessels. The Committee also recalls that the exclusion of vessels upon which only members of the same family are employed is not provided for under the Convention. The Committee further notes that according to section 290 of the Maritime Law, its Chapter 10 – which deals with merchant seamen and minimum age – only applies to persons engaged on board vessels of at least 75 net tons. Moreover, section 326 of the same chapter, fixing the minimum age at sea, only applies to vessels registered under the Maritime Law. In this connection, section 51 limits the registration procedure to specific vessels, namely: (a) vessels of at least 20 net tons, owned by a citizen or national of Liberia and engaged solely in coastwise trade between ports of the country or between those of Liberia and other West African countries; and (b) seagoing vessels of more than 500 net tons engaged in foreign trade, owned by a citizen or national of Liberia. The Committee recalls that pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, the term “fishing vessel” includes all ships and boats, of any nature whatsoever, whether publicly or privately owned, which are engaged in maritime fishing in salt waters, with the only exception of fishing in ports and harbours or in estuaries of rivers, or to individuals fishing for sport or recreation. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether Chapter 10 of the Maritime Law applies to fishers. If that is the case, recalling that the Convention applies to all fishing vessels irrespective of tonnage or of the fact that only members of the same family are employed, the Committee requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures without delay in order to give full effect to the Convention. If that is not the case, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the national provisions giving effect to the requirements of the Convention.

Medical Examination (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 113)

Application of the Convention. The Committee had previously requested the Government to provide clarifications on the applicable legislation to fishers with regard to medical certification. The Committee had noted the information provided by the Government that existing legislation only applied to fishing vessels of 500 tons or more. Recalling that the Convention applies to all fishing vessels irrespective of tonnage, the Committee had requested the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that fishers employed on board fishing vessels of less than 500 tons are subject to the same medical certification requirements in accordance with the provision of the Convention. The Committee regrets to note that the Government has not provided a reply to its previous observation. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to adopt without delay the necessary measures to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention.

Fishermen’s Articles of Agreement Convention, 1959 (No. 114)

Application of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee had requested the Government to explain how effect is given to the provisions of the Convention and to provide clarifications on the application of the existing legislation to fishing vessels. The Committee regrets to note that the Government provides no information in this regard. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures without delay to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes that in its reports sent on the application of a number of fishing Conventions the Government indicates that the Liberian Maritime Law, RLM 107 (hereinafter the “Maritime Law”) and the Liberian Maritime Regulations, RLM-108 (hereinafter the “Regulations”) were amended in 2013 addressing the Committee’s previous comments on the application of the Conventions, without providing any further information. Recalling that for more than 20 years the Government has been requested to provide information on the applicability of existing legislation to fishers and noting that it is not clear from the Government’s response whether there are adequate provisions in the amended texts to cover fishers, the Committee requests the Government once again to clarify this issue.

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues to be addressed in relation to the application of the fishing Conventions, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine them in a single comment, as follows.

Minimum Age (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 112)

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. Minimum age. The Committee notes that section 326(2) of the Maritime Law states that “persons under the age of 16 shall not be employed or work on Liberian vessels registered under this Title, except on vessels upon which only members of the same family are employed, school ships or training ships”. The Committee recalls that according to Article 2 of the Convention, children under the age of 15 years shall not be employed or work on fishing vessels. The Committee also recalls that the exclusion of vessels upon which only members of the same family are employed is not provided for under the Convention. The Committee further notes that according to section 290 of the Maritime Law, its Chapter 10 – which deals with merchant seamen and minimum age – only applies to persons engaged on board vessels of at least 75 net tons. Moreover, section 326 of the same chapter, fixing the minimum age at sea, only applies to vessels registered under the Maritime Law. In this connection, section 51 limits the registration procedure to specific vessels, namely: (a) vessels of at least 20 net tons, owned by a citizen or national of Liberia and engaged solely in coastwise trade between ports of the country or between those of Liberia and other West African countries; and (b) seagoing vessels of more than 500 net tons engaged in foreign trade, owned by a citizen or national of Liberia. The Committee recalls that pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, the term “fishing vessel” includes all ships and boats, of any nature whatsoever, whether publicly or privately owned, which are engaged in maritime fishing in salt waters, with the only exception of fishing in ports and harbours or in estuaries of rivers, or to individuals fishing for sport or recreation. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether Chapter 10 of the Maritime Law applies to fishers. If that is the case, recalling that the Convention applies to all fishing vessels irrespective of tonnage or of the fact that only members of the same family are employed, the Committee requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures without delay in order to give full effect to the Convention. If that is not the case, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the national provisions giving effect to the requirements of the Convention.

Medical Examination (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 113)

Application of the Convention. The Committee had previously requested the Government to provide clarifications on the applicable legislation to fishers with regard to medical certification. The Committee had noted the information provided by the Government that existing legislation only applied to fishing vessels of 500 tons or more. Recalling that the Convention applies to all fishing vessels irrespective of tonnage, the Committee had requested the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that fishers employed on board fishing vessels of less than 500 tons are subject to the same medical certification requirements in accordance with the provision of the Convention. The Committee regrets to note that the Government has not provided a reply to its previous observation. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to adopt without delay the necessary measures to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention.

Fishermen’s Articles of Agreement Convention, 1959 (No. 114)

Application of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee had requested the Government to explain how effect is given to the provisions of the Convention and to provide clarifications on the application of the existing legislation to fishing vessels. The Committee regrets to note that the Government provides no information in this regard. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures without delay to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention.

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

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

The Committee notes that in its reports sent on the application of a number of fishing Conventions the Government indicates that the Liberian Maritime Law, RLM-107 (hereinafter the “Maritime Law”) and the Liberian Maritime Regulations, RLM-108 (hereinafter the “Regulations”) were amended in 2013 addressing the Committee’s previous comments on the application of the Conventions, without providing any further information. Recalling that for more than 20 years the Government has been requested to provide information on the applicability of existing legislation to fishers and noting that it is not clear from the Government’s response whether there are adequate provisions in the amended texts to cover fishers, the Committee requests the Government once again to clarify this issue.

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues to be addressed in relation to the application of the fishing Conventions, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine them in a single comment, as follows.

Minimum Age (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 112)

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. Minimum age. The Committee notes that section 326(2) of the Maritime Law states that “persons under the age of 16 shall not be employed or work on Liberian vessels registered under this Title, except on vessels upon which only members of the same family are employed, school ships or training ships”. The Committee recalls that according to Article 2 of the Convention, children under the age of 15 years shall not be employed or work on fishing vessels. The Committee also recalls that the exclusion of vessels upon which only members of the same family are employed is not provided for under the Convention. The Committee further notes that according to section 290 of the Maritime Law, its Chapter 10 – which deals with merchant seamen and minimum age – only applies to persons engaged on board vessels of at least 75 net tons. Moreover, section 326 of the same chapter, fixing the minimum age at sea, only applies to vessels registered under the Maritime Law. In this connection, section 51 limits the registration procedure to specific vessels, namely: (a) vessels of at least 20 net tons, owned by a citizen or national of Liberia and engaged solely in coastwise trade between ports of the country or between those of Liberia and other West African countries; and (b) seagoing vessels of more than 500 net tons engaged in foreign trade, owned by a citizen or national of Liberia. The Committee recalls that pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, the term “fishing vessel” includes all ships and boats, of any nature whatsoever, whether publicly or privately owned, which are engaged in maritime fishing in salt waters, with the only exception of fishing in ports and harbours or in estuaries of rivers, or to individuals fishing for sport or recreation. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether Chapter 10 of the Maritime Law applies to fishers. If that is the case, recalling that the Convention applies to all fishing vessels irrespective of tonnage or of the fact that only members of the same family are employed, the Committee requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures without delay in order to give full effect to the Convention. If that is not the case, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the national provisions giving effect to the requirements of the Convention.

Medical Examination (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 113)

Application of the Convention. The Committee had previously requested the Government to provide clarifications on the applicable legislation to fishers with regard to medical certification. The Committee had noted the information provided by the Government that existing legislation only applied to fishing vessels of 500 tons or more. Recalling that the Convention applies to all fishing vessels irrespective of tonnage, the Committee had requested the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that fishers employed on board fishing vessels of less than 500 tons are subject to the same medical certification requirements in accordance with the provision of the Convention. The Committee regrets to note that the Government has not provided a reply to its previous observation. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to adopt without delay the necessary measures to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention.

Fishermen’s Articles of Agreement Convention, 1959 (No. 114)

Application of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee had requested the Government to explain how effect is given to the provisions of the Convention and to provide clarifications on the application of the existing legislation to fishing vessels. The Committee regrets to note that the Government provides no information in this regard. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures without delay to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention.

[The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2019.]

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Nature of medical examination and particulars to be included in the medical certificate. For the last 16 years, the Committee has been requesting the Government to clarify whether certain provisions of the Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118), as well as Maritime Regulation 10.325(3), regarding medical certification of seafarers apply also to fishers. In its last report, the Government merely indicates that the legal texts in question apply to fishing vessels of 500 gross tons or more. The Committee observes, in this respect, that the Convention applies to all fishing vessels irrespective of tonnage and therefore requests the Government to take all appropriate measures to ensure that fishers employed on board fishing vessels of less than 500 gross tons are subject to the same medical certification requirements in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.

In addition, the Committee notes that the Government has issued Marine Notice MLC-002, which implements the medical certification requirements of Standard A1.2 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), providing, in particular, that the maximum period of validity of medical certificates should not exceed two years for seafarers above 18 years of age and one year for those under the age of 18. The Committee recalls that similar provisions are found in Article 12 of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), which revises and updates most ILO instruments on fishing, including Convention No. 113. Noting the Government’s indication included in its 2010 report on the Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 147), that it is planning to amend its Maritime Law (RLM-107) and Regulations (RLM-108), the Committee asks the Government to take prompt action in order to align its legislation with the requirements of Convention No. 188 regarding medical certification of fishers.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

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

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Nature of medical examination and particulars to be included in the medical certificate. For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. the Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(2), also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee once again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian maritime laws and regulations to the medical examination of fishers. The Government is requested to indicate whether consultations with the fishing-boat owners’ and fishers’ 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(1) of the Convention, and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account in prescribing the nature of the examination as required by Article 3(2).

In addition, while noting the Subregional Seminar on the promotion of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), which was held in Accra in 2009 with the participation of tripartite representatives from Liberia, the Committee requests the Government to give all due attention to this new comprehensive instrument on the working and living conditions of fishers and to keep the Office informed of any decision that it may take with a view to its eventual ratification.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Nature of medical examination and particulars to be included in medical certificate. For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. the Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(2), also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee once again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian maritime laws and regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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(1) of the Convention and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account in prescribing the nature of the examination as required by Article 3(2).

The Committee also draws the Government’s attention to the new Work in Fishing Convention, adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 96th Session (June 2007), which revises and updates most ILO instruments on fishing, including Convention No. 113. While noting the Subregional Seminar on the promotion of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), which was held in Accra from 27 to 30 October 2009, the Committee requests the Government to give all due attention to this new comprehensive instrument on the working and living conditions of fishers and to keep the Office informed of any decision that it may take with a view to its eventual ratification.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Nature of medical examination and particulars to be included in medical certificate. For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. the Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(2), also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee once again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian maritime laws and regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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(1) of the Convention and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account in prescribing the nature of the examination as required by Article 3(2).

The Committee also draws the Government’s attention to the new Work in Fishing Convention, adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 96th Session (June 2007), which revises and updates most ILO instruments on fishing, including Convention No. 113. While noting the Subregional Seminar on the promotion of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), which was held in Accra from 27 to 30 October 2009 for the English-speaking countries in West Africa, the Committee requests the Government to give all due attention to this new comprehensive instrument on the working and living conditions of fishers and to keep the Office informed of any decision that it may take with a view to its eventual ratification.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

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

For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. the Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(2), also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, of the Convention and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account in prescribing the nature of the examination as required by Article 3, paragraph 2.

The Committee also draws the Government’s attention to the new Work in Fishing Convention, adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 96th Session (June 2007), which revises and updates most ILO instruments on fishing, including Convention No. 113. The Committee requests the Government to give all due attention to this new comprehensive instrument on the working and living conditions of fishers and to keep the Office informed of any decision that it may take with a view to its eventual ratification.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

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

For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. the Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(2), also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, of the Convention and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account 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.

The Committee also draws the Government’s attention to the new Work in Fishing Convention, adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 96th Session (June 2007), which revises and updates most ILO instruments on fishing, including Convention No. 113. The Committee requests the Government to give all due attention to this new comprehensive instrument on the working and living conditions of fishers and to keep the Office informed of any decision that it may take with a view to its eventual ratification.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

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

For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. the Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(2), also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, of the Convention and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account 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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

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

For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(ii) also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account 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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

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

For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(ii) also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account 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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

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

For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(ii) also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account 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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

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

For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(ii) also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account 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.

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

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

        For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(ii) also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account 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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must, therefore, repeat its previous observation on the following matters:

For many years the Committee has asked the Government to indicate whether certain provisions applicable to merchant vessels, i.e. Requirements for Merchant Marine Personnel (RLM-118) and Maritime Regulation No. 10.325(ii) also apply to fishing vessels. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will provide full explanations regarding the applicability of the Liberian Maritime Laws and Regulations to the medical examination of fishermen. The Government is requested to 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, and to provide particulars on how the age of the person to be examined and the nature of the duties to be performed are taken into account 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.

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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes with regret that 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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes that 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.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

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 Government is asked to report in detail in 1996.]

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

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

In its previous observations, it referred to the need for legislation to give effect to Article 2 of the Convention (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). It hopes it will soon be possible to make progress in this respect.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

Further to its general observation, the Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. In its previous observations, it referred to the need for legislation to give effect to Article 2 of the Convention (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). It hopes it will soon be possible to make progress in this respect.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

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

In its previous comments, the Committee noted from the Government's report that the proposed new Labour Law and the draft Decree, to which it had been referring in its reports for a number of years, had not yet been adopted. It trusts that these texts will be adopted in the near future and that they will give effect to Article 2 of the Convention (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), and that the Government will provide a copy of the provisions adopted.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

In its previous comments, the Committee noted from the Government's report that the proposed new Labour Law and the draft Decree, to which it had been referring in its reports for a number of years, had not yet been adopted. It trusts that these texts will be adopted in the near future and that they will give effect to Article 2 of the Convention (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), and that the Government will provide a copy of the provisions adopted.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1988, published 75th ILC session (1988)

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes from the Government's report that the proposed new Labour Law and the draft Decree, to which it has been referring in its reports for a number of years, have not yet been adopted. It trusts that these texts will be adopted in the near future and that they will give effect to Article 2 of the Convention (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), and that the Government will provide a copy of the provisions adopted.