Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 147) - Liberia (Ratification: 1981)

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

The Committee notes with interest that, on 7 June 2006, Liberia ratified the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). The entry into force for Liberia of the MLC, 2006, will result in the denunciation of, inter alia, the present Convention. Pending the entry into force of the MLC, 2006, however, the Committee will continue to examine the conformity of national legislation with the relevant requirements of the present Convention.

Article 2(a)(i) of the Convention. Safety standards. Medical examination. The Committee notes that under section 51 of the Liberian Maritime Law, this law only applies to vessels above 500 net tons while section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108) limits the coverage of the Regulations to persons employed on board vessels above 1,600 net tons. The Committee recalls, however, that Convention No. 147 and the MLC, 2006, apply to all seagoing vessels. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that national laws and regulations substantially equivalent with the provisions of the Medical Examination (Seafarers) Convention, 1946 (No. 73), apply to all seagoing vessels, irrespective of their tonnage.

Article 2(a)(i). Safety standards. Prevention of accidents. The Committee notes that section 10.296(5), (6) of the RLM-108 covers only partially the specific subjects referred to in Article 4 of the Prevention of Accidents (Seafarers) Convention, 1970 (No. 134). The Committee recalls that the subjects to be covered by national laws and regulations on health and safety protection and accident prevention have been substantially expanded and further elaborated in Standard A4.3(1) and Guideline B4.3.1(2) of the MLC, 2006, and requests the Government to indicate how substantial equivalence is ensured with the requirements of Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134.

Article 2(a)(iii). Shipboard living arrangements. Food and catering. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Maritime Regulation 2.35 and to draft Maritime Notice Publication RLM-118. Drawing the Government’s attention to Standard A3.2(1),(2) of the MLC, 2006, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate how substantial equivalence is ensured with Article 5(2) of the Food and Catering (Ships’ Crews) Convention, 1946 (No. 68), which requires the arrangement and equipment of the catering department in every vessel to be in such manner as to permit the service of proper meals to the members of the crew.

Article 2(f). Flag State inspections. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to sections 190–191 of the Liberian Maritime Law, which lay down the mandatory annual safety inspections and inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port State representatives. The Government indicates that, in December 2009, Liberia had 340 Liberian nautical inspectors and auditors at its disposal around the world. In the period 2004–09, 36 detentions have been ordered and 185 follow-ups on safety-related serious deficiencies have been conducted. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the requirements of Regulation 5.1.1(2) of the MLC, 2006, and once more requests the Government to indicate how it is ensured in national law and practice that Liberian-registered vessels are inspected to ensure compliance with the requirements of ratified Conventions Nos 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108.

Article 4. Port State control. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations providing for inspection of a foreign ship calling in a Liberian port when a complaint is received or evidence is obtained that the ship does not conform to the standards of this Convention, as prescribed by this Article of the Convention and also provided for in Standard A5.2.1 of the MLC, 2006. In this respect, the Committee wishes to recall the adoption by an ILO tripartite experts’ meeting in September 2008 of the Guidelines for flag State inspections and the Guidelines for port State control officers, as an essential aspect for ensuring widespread harmonized implementation of the MLC, 2006.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Recalling information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

1. The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

In this regard, the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port State representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

2. Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation.

3. Article 2(a). (Conventions listed in the Appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia.)

Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7). The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

Convention No. 68 (Article 5). Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

4. Article 2(c). The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether, under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations, the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement.

5. Article 2(d). Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject.

6. Article 2(g). In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken. Taking into consideration that the term “may” is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory.

7. Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

8. Article 4. Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Recalling information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

1. The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

In this regard, the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port State representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

2. Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation.

3. Article 2(a). (Conventions listed in the Appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia.)

Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7). The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

Convention No. 68 (Article 5). Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

4. Article 2(c). The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement.

5. Article 2(d). Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject.

6. Article 2(g). In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken. Taking into consideration that the term “may” is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory.

7. Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

8. Article 4. Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Recalling information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos. 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

1. The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

In this regard the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port state representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

2. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation (Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3).

3. Article 2(a). (Conventions listed in the Appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia.)

Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7). The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

Convention No. 68 (Article 5). Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

4. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement (Article 2(c) of the Convention).

5. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject (Article 2(d) of the Convention).

6. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken (emphasis added). Taking into consideration that the term “may” is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory (Article 2(g) of the Convention).

7. Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

8. Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention (Article 4 of the Convention).

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Recalling information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos. 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

1. The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

In this regard the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port state representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

2. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation (Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3).

3. Article 2(a). (Conventions listed in the appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia.)

Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7). The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

Convention No. 68 (Article 5). Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

4. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement (Article 2(c) of the Convention).

5. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject (Article 2(d) of the Convention).

6. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken (emphasis added). Taking into consideration that the term "may" is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory (Article 2(g) of the Convention).

7. Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

8. Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention (Article 4 of the Convention).

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Recalling information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos. 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

1. The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

In this regard the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port state representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

2. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation (Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3).

3. Article 2(a). (Conventions listed in the appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia.)

Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7). The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

Convention No. 68 (Article 5). Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

4. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement (Article 2(c) of the Convention).

5. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether  any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject (Article 2(d) of the Convention).

6. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken (emphasis added). Taking into consideration that the term "may" is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory (Article 2(g) of the Convention).

7. Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

8. Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention (Article 4 of the Convention).

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Recalling information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos. 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

1. The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

In this regard the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port state representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

2. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation (Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3).

3. Article 2(a) (Conventions listed in the appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia).

Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7). The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

Convention No. 68 (Article 5). Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

4. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement (Article 2(c) of the Convention).

5. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether  any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject (Article 2(d) of the Convention).

6. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken (emphasis added). Taking into consideration that the term "may" is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory (Article 2(g) of the Convention).

7. Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

8. Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention (Article 4 of the Convention).

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Recalling information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos. 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

1. The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

In this regard the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port state representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

2. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation (Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3).

3. Article 2(a) (Conventions listed in the appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia).

Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7). The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

Convention No. 68 (Article 5). Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

4. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement (Article 2(c) of the Convention).

5. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether  any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject (Article 2(d) of the Convention).

6. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken (emphasis added). Taking into consideration that the term "may" is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory (Article 2(g) of the Convention).

7. Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

8. Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention (Article 4 of the Convention).

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

        Recalling information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos. 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

        1. The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

        In this regard the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port state representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

        2. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation (Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3).

        3. Article 2(a) (Conventions listed in the appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia).

        Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

        Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7). The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

        Convention No. 68 (Article 5). Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

        4. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement (Article 2(c) of the Convention).

        5. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether  any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject (Article 2(d) of the Convention).

        6. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken (emphasis added). Taking into consideration that the term "may" is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory (Article 2(g) of the Convention).

        7. Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

        8. Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention (Article 4 of the Convention).

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 2002.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. Recalling also information provided by the Government in previous reports on Convention No. 147, as well as the Government’s statements in previous reports on Conventions Nos. 22, 53, 55, 58 and 92 that the Committee’s comments have been referred to the Bureau of Maritime Affairs for review, the Committee requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each of the Articles of the Convention in accordance with the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

1.  The Government is requested in particular to provide information on the application of Article 2(f) of the Convention under which each Member which ratifies Convention No. 147 undertakes to verify by inspection or other appropriate means that ships registered in its territory comply with applicable international labour Conventions in force which it has ratified, with the laws and regulations required by subparagraph (a) of this Article and, as may be appropriate under national law, with applicable collective agreements.

In this regard the Government is asked to indicate specific provisions of the national legislation laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect ships registered in Liberia from the point of view of their compliance with the various standards mentioned in this subparagraph, i.e. for Liberia ratified Conventions, in particular, Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108 and laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of this Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68 and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). The Government has previously referred to mandatory annual safety inspections and to inspections carried out by Liberian nautical inspectors and to inspections by the same inspectors following notification by classification societies or port state representatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the specific findings by inspectors over the last five years in relation to the application of this subparagraph. Please indicate specific remedial action taken in this regard as well as the current size of the inspection staff.

2.  In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate by what provision seagoing tugs and other seagoing ships employed for commercial purposes other than trade are covered in accordance with the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that currently there are no seagoing tugs under the Liberian flag nor are there seagoing vessels engaged in other commercial purposes contemplated by Article 1 of the Convention, but an appropriate legislation would be considered in the event that such ships are to become registered in Liberia. The Committee asks the Government to report whether any such ships in fact have been registered and, if so, whether the respective changes have been made in the legislation (Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3).

3.  Article 2(a) (Conventions listed in the appendix to Convention No. 147, but not ratified by Liberia).

Convention No. 73.  The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.325(2) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), each person employed on board a Liberian vessel shall be in possession of a physical examination certificate in the official form required by Liberia, or another State party to the International Convention Concerning the Medical Examination of Seafarers, and attesting the holder’s medical fitness for duty. The Committee asks the Government to clarify whether this provision is applicable to all ships registered in Liberia regardless of their tonnage or only to ships of 1,600 net tons or over.

Convention No. 134 (Articles 4 and 7).  The Committee notes that in accordance with section 10.296(7) of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Master of every Liberian vessel shall appoint from amongst the crew a suitable person or a committee responsible for accident prevention, and such person or committee shall in addition to any other duties assigned by the Master ensure that any conditions aboard the vessel not in substantial compliance with the applicable provisions of the accident prevention code or codes currently approved by the Administration are brought to the prompt attention of the Master. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the national laws or regulations dealing with the nine general and specific subjects listed in Article 4(3) of Convention No. 134 and to provide copies.

Convention No. 68 (Article 5).  Please indicate the specific provisions of the 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 members of the crew.

4.  The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under the collective agreements between shipowners or their organizations and seafarers’ organizations the seafarers’ organizations have the right to exercise control over any shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements and, if so, what is the criteria for delimitation between the governmental control (exercised by Liberian Nautical Inspectors) and non-governmental control established by the respective collective agreements. The Committee also asks the Government to supply a copy of any such collective agreement (Article 2(c) of the Convention).

5.  Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision over the procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships and those for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement and whether  any tripartite consultations have taken place on this subject (Article 2(d) of the Convention).

6.  In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to indicate how it is ensured that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life. The Committee notes that under section 9.258 of the Liberian Maritime Regulations (RLM-108), the Commissioner or any Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, upon receipt of information of a marine casualty or offence, may institute such investigation as may be necessary to determine as closely as possible the cause or any contributing causes of the casualty or circumstances of the offence, and whether there has been any act of misconduct, inattention to duty, or negligence upon the part of any licensed or certificated person, or violation of law or regulation, so that appropriate action may be taken (emphasis added). Taking into consideration that the term "may" is used to define the authority of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Maritime Affairs in respect of initiating an investigation, the Committee asks the Government to clarify whether these officials have an affirmative duty to institute an investigation upon receipt of the appropriate information, or such investigation would be discretionary and not mandatory (Article 2(g) of the Convention).

7.  Please describe the measures taken to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

8.  Please indicate the specific provisions of the national legislation (if any) laying down the powers of the competent authority to inspect foreign ships calling in the ports of Liberia from the point of view of their conformity to the standards of Convention No. 147, give information on the functioning of these measures (such as the number and nature of cases considered and the nature of any action taken), and describe the procedure for notification of the maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of a ship which does not conform to the standards of this Convention (Article 4 of the Convention).

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 2001.]

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Further to its observation, the Committee would be glad if the Government would include in its next report information on the following matters:

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Liberian Maritime Law and subordinate legislation apply to ships engaged in trade (section 51 of the Law). Please indicate by what provision sea-going tugs and other sea-going ships engaged in other commercial purposes are covered in accordance with the Convention.

Article 2(a) (Conventions included in the Appendix to Convention No. 147 but not ratified by Liberia):

- Convention No. 68, Article 5. The Committee notes the provisions of the Regulations (MR 10.315) as to food and water supply. Please indicate arrangements and requirements in respect of the catering department.

- Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that, under section 51 of the Maritime Law, provisions as to medical examination of seafarers do not seem to be applied to sea-going vessels of under 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) except in "exceptional cases" where that requirement is waived. The Committee recalls that Article 1(3)(a) of Convention No. 73 allows the exclusion of vessels of less than only 200 GRT. The Committee considers the difference of 1400 GRT too great for there to be substantial equivalence for purposes of Article 2(a) of Convention No. 147 (cf. paragraph 44 of the 1990 General Survey). It would therefore be glad if the Government would indicate any measures taken or proposed to bring the national provisions more closely into line with the Convention in this respect.

- Convention No. 134, Article 4. The Committee notes that the Maritime Regulations (10.296(7)) seem to deal only very partially with the accident prevention requirements of this Article. It would be glad if the Government would provide details of any other provisions dealing with the matters referred to in this Article, or any proposals to enact legislation of this kind.

Article 2(c). Please indicate any measures agreed between shipowners and seafarers relating to the control of any provisions as to shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements included in collective agreements.

Article 2(d). Please provide details of procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships (whether at home or abroad); and of any procedures for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision of these procedures and any tripartite consultations which have taken place on the subject.

Article 2(e). Please describe the operation of training measures and how it is ensured that seafarers employed on Liberian ships are properly qualified or trained for the duties for which they are engaged, having due regard to Recommendation No. 137.

Article 2(g). The Committee has noted the arrangements under the Rules for Marine Investigations and Hearings: from section 6.2 it appears that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty of the kind referred to by the Convention would be discretionary and not mandatory. Please indicate how it is ensured that such an inquiry always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life; and whether the final report of such an inquiry is normally made public. Please supply information as to the numbers of inquiries held and measures taken as a result.

Article 3. Please indicate any measures taken to advise Liberian nationals of the possible problems of signing on for work on foreign-registered ships.

Article 4. Please indicate any action taken for the application of the standards of the Convention to foreign-registered ships calling at Liberian ports.

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:

The Committee notes that the Government has not yet communicated a detailed report on the Convention. It has also noted that direct contacts took place in 1989 between the Government and a mission from the Director-General of the ILO relating to the present Convention, amongst others. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a detailed report on the Convention in the form approved by the Governing Body. Having regard to Article 2(f) of the Convention, it hopes that the Government will describe inspection and other arrangements - at home or abroad - whereby it ensures that ships registered in Liberia comply with applicable international labour Conventions which it has ratified (in particular Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108) and with the laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of the present Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68, and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). It hopes the Government will also indicate, as requested in the report form, the size of inspection staff, the numbers and results of inspections and investigations of complaints, and any penalties imposed. The Committee is dealing with further matters in a direct request.

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

Further to its observation, the Committee would be glad if the Government would include in its next report information on the following matters:

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Liberian Maritime Law and subordinate legislation apply to ships engaged in trade (section 51 of the Law). Please indicate by what provision sea-going tugs and other sea-going ships engaged in other commercial purposes are covered in accordance with the Convention.

Article 2(a) (Conventions included in the Appendix to Convention No. 147 but not ratified by Liberia):

- Convention No. 68, Article 5. The Committee notes the provisions of the Regulations (MR 10.315) as to food and water supply. Please indicate arrangements and requirements in respect of the catering department.

- Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that, under section 51 of the Maritime Law, provisions as to medical examination of seafarers do not seem to be applied to sea-going vessels of under 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) except in "exceptional cases" where that requirement is waived. The Committee recalls that Article 1(3)(a) of Convention No. 73 allows the exclusion of vessels of less than only 200 GRT. The Committee considers the difference of 1400 GRT too great for there to be substantial equivalence for purposes of Article 2(a) of Convention No. 147 (cf. paragraph 44 of the 1990 General Survey). It would therefore be glad if the Government would indicate any measures taken or proposed to bring the national provisions more closely into line with the Convention in this respect.

- Convention No. 134, Article 4. The Committee notes that the Maritime Regulations (10.296(7)) seem to deal only very partially with the accident prevention requirements of this Article. It would be glad if the Government would provide details of any other provisions dealing with the matters referred to in this Article, or any proposals to enact legislation of this kind.

Article 2(c). Please indicate any measures agreed between shipowners and seafarers relating to the control of any provisions as to shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements included in collective agreements.

Article 2(d). Please provide details of procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships (whether at home or abroad); and of any procedures for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision of these procedures and any tripartite consultations which have taken place on the subject.

Article 2(e). Please describe the operation of training measures and how it is ensured that seafarers employed on Liberian ships are properly qualified or trained for the duties for which they are engaged, having due regard to Recommendation No. 137.

Article 2(g). The Committee has noted the arrangements under the Rules for Marine Investigations and Hearings: from section 6.2 it appears that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty of the kind referred to by the Convention would be discretionary and not mandatory. Please indicate how it is ensured that such an inquiry always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life; and whether the final report of such an inquiry is normally made public. Please supply information as to the numbers of inquiries held and measures taken as a result.

Article 3. Please indicate any measures taken to advise Liberian nationals of the possible problems of signing on for work on foreign-registered ships.

Article 4. Please indicate any action taken for the application of the standards of the Convention to foreign-registered ships calling at Liberian ports.

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. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government has not yet communicated a detailed report on the Convention. It has also noted that direct contacts took place in 1989 between the Government and a mission from the Director-General of the ILO relating to the present Convention, amongst others. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a detailed report on the Convention in the form approved by the Governing Body. Having regard to Article 2(f) of the Convention, it hopes that the Government will describe inspection and other arrangements - at home or abroad - whereby it ensures that ships registered in Liberia comply with applicable international labour Conventions which it has ratified (in particular Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108) and with the laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of the present Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68, and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). It hopes the Government will also indicate, as requested in the report form, the size of inspection staff, the numbers and results of inspections and investigations of complaints, and any penalties imposed. The Committee is dealing with further matters in a direct request.

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

Further to its observation, the Committee would be glad if the Government would include in its next report information on the following matters:

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Liberian Maritime Law and subordinate legislation apply to ships engaged in trade (section 51 of the Law). Please indicate by what provision sea-going tugs and other sea-going ships engaged in other commercial purposes are covered in accordance with the Convention.

Article 2(a) (Conventions included in the Appendix to Convention No. 147 but not ratified by Liberia):

- Convention No. 68, Article 5. The Committee notes the provisions of the Regulations (MR 10.315) as to food and water supply. Please indicate arrangements and requirements in respect of the catering department.

- Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that, under section 51 of the Maritime Law, provisions as to medical examination of seafarers do not seem to be applied to sea-going vessels of under 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) except in "exceptional cases" where that requirement is waived. The Committee recalls that Article 1(3)(a) of Convention No. 73 allows the exclusion of vessels of less than only 200 GRT. The Committee considers the difference of 1400 GRT too great for there to be substantial equivalence for purposes of Article 2(a) of Convention No. 147 (cf. paragraph 44 of the 1990 General Survey). It would therefore be glad if the Government would indicate any measures taken or proposed to bring the national provisions more closely into line with the Convention in this respect.

- Convention No. 134, Article 4. The Committee notes that the Maritime Regulations (10.296(7)) seem to deal only very partially with the accident prevention requirements of this Article. It would be glad if the Government would provide details of any other provisions dealing with the matters referred to in this Article, or any proposals to enact legislation of this kind.

Article 2(c). Please indicate any measures agreed between shipowners and seafarers relating to the control of any provisions as to shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements included in collective agreements.

Article 2(d). Please provide details of procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships (whether at home or abroad); and of any procedures for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision of these procedures and any tripartite consultations which have taken place on the subject.

Article 2(e). Please describe the operation of training measures and how it is ensured that seafarers employed on Liberian ships are properly qualified or trained for the duties for which they are engaged, having due regard to Recommendation No. 137.

Article 2(g). The Committee has noted the arrangements under the Rules for Marine Investigations and Hearings: from section 6.2 it appears that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty of the kind referred to by the Convention would be discretionary and not mandatory. Please indicate how it is ensured that such an inquiry always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life; and whether the final report of such an inquiry is normally made public. Please supply information as to the numbers of inquiries held and measures taken as a result.

Article 3. Please indicate any measures taken to advise Liberian nationals of the possible problems of signing on for work on foreign-registered ships.

Article 4. Please indicate any action taken for the application of the standards of the Convention to foreign-registered ships calling at Liberian ports.

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

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:

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government has not yet communicated a detailed report on the Convention. It has also noted that direct contacts took place in 1989 between the Government and a mission from the Director-General of the ILO relating to the present Convention, amongst others. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a detailed report on the Convention in the form approved by the Governing Body. Having regard to Article 2(f) of the Convention, it hopes that the Government will describe inspection and other arrangements - at home or abroad - whereby it ensures that ships registered in Liberia comply with applicable international labour Conventions which it has ratified (in particular Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108) and with the laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of the present Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68, and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). It hopes the Government will also indicate, as requested in the report form, the size of inspection staff, the numbers and results of inspections and investigations of complaints, and any penalties imposed. The Committee is dealing with further matters in a direct request.

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

Further to its observation, the Committee would be glad if the Government would include in its next report information on the following matters:

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Liberian Maritime Law and subordinate legislation apply to ships engaged in trade (section 51 of the Law). Please indicate by what provision sea-going tugs and other sea-going ships engaged in other commercial purposes are covered in accordance with the Convention.

Article 2(a) (Conventions included in the Appendix to Convention No. 147 but not ratified by Liberia):

- Convention No. 68, Article 5. The Committee notes the provisions of the Regulations (MR 10.315) as to food and water supply. Please indicate arrangements and requirements in respect of the catering department.

- Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that, under section 51 of the Maritime Law, provisions as to medical examination of seafarers do not seem to be applied to sea-going vessels of under 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) except in "exceptional cases" where that requirement is waived. The Committee recalls that Article 1(3)(a) of Convention No. 73 allows the exclusion of vessels of less than only 200 GRT. The Committee considers the difference of 1400 GRT too great for there to be substantial equivalence for purposes of Article 2(a) of Convention No. 147 (cf. paragraph 44 of the 1990 General Survey). It would therefore be glad if the Government would indicate any measures taken or proposed to bring the national provisions more closely into line with the Convention in this respect.

- Convention No. 134, Article 4. The Committee notes that the Maritime Regulations (10.296(7)) seem to deal only very partially with the accident prevention requirements of this Article. It would be glad if the Government would provide details of any other provisions dealing with the matters referred to in this Article, or any proposals to enact legislation of this kind.

Article 2(c). Please indicate any measures agreed between shipowners and seafarers relating to the control of any provisions as to shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements included in collective agreements.

Article 2(d). Please provide details of procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships (whether at home or abroad); and of any procedures for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision of these procedures and any tripartite consultations which have taken place on the subject.

Article 2(e). Please describe the operation of training measures and how it is ensured that seafarers employed on Liberian ships are properly qualified or trained for the duties for which they are engaged, having due regard to Recommendation No. 137.

Article 2(g). The Committee has noted the arrangements under the Rules for Marine Investigations and Hearings: from section 6.2 it appears that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty of the kind referred to by the Convention would be discretionary and not mandatory. Please indicate how it is ensured that such an inquiry always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life; and whether the final report of such an inquiry is normally made public. Please supply information as to the numbers of inquiries held and measures taken as a result.

Article 3. Please indicate any measures taken to advise Liberian nationals of the possible problems of signing on for work on foreign-registered ships.

Article 4. Please indicate any action taken for the application of the standards of the Convention to foreign-registered ships calling at Liberian ports.

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

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

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government has not yet communicated a detailed report on the Convention. It has also noted that direct contacts took place in 1989 between the Government and a mission from the Director-General of the ILO relating to the present Convention, amongst others, and in this connection it refers to its general observation. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a detailed report on the Convention in the form approved by the Governing Body. Having regard to Article 2(f) of the Convention, it hopes that the Government will describe inspection and other arrangements - at home or abroad - whereby it ensures that ships registered in Liberia comply with applicable international labour Conventions which it has ratified (in particular Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108) and with the laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of the present Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68, and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). It hopes the Government will also indicate, as requested in the report form, the size of inspection staff, the numbers and results of inspections and investigations of complaints, and any penalties imposed.

The Committee is dealing with further matters in a direct request.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

Further to its observation, the Committee would be glad if the Government would include in its next report information on the following matters.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Liberian Maritime Law and subordinate legislation apply to ships engaged in trade (section 51 of the Law). Please indicate by what provision sea-going tugs and other sea-going ships engaged in other commercial purposes are covered in accordance with the Convention.

Article 2(a) (Conventions included in the Appendix to Convention No. 147 but not ratified by Liberia):

- Convention No. 68, Article 5. The Committee notes the provisions of the Regulations (MR 10.315) as to food and water supply. Please indicate arrangements and requirements in respect of the catering department.

- Convention No. 73. The Committee notes that, under section 51 of the Maritime Law, provisions as to medical examination of seafarers do not seem to be applied to sea-going vessels of under 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) except in "exceptional cases" where that requirement is waived. The Committee recalls that Article 1(3)(a) of Convention No. 73 allows the exclusion of vessels of less than only 200 GRT. The Committee considers the difference of 1400 GRT too great for there to be substantial equivalence for purposes of Article 2(a) of Convention No. 147 (cf. paragraph 44 of the 1990 General Survey). It would therefore be glad if the Government would indicate any measures taken or proposed to bring the national provisions more closely into line with the Convention in this respect.

- Convention No. 134, Article 4. The Committee notes that the Maritime Regulations (10.296(7)) seem to deal only very partially with the accident prevention requirements of this Article. It would be glad if the Government would provide details of any other provisions dealing with the matters referred to in this Article, or any proposals to enact legislation of this kind.

Article 2(c). Please indicate any measures agreed between shipowners and seafarers relating to the control of any provisions as to shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements included in collective agreements.

Article 2(d). Please provide details of procedures for the engagement of seafarers on Liberian ships (whether at home or abroad); and of any procedures for the investigation of complaints as to such engagement. Please indicate what authority exercises overall supervision of these procedures and any tripartite consultations which have taken place on the subject.

Article 2(e). Please describe the operation of training measures and how it is ensured that seafarers employed on Liberian ships are properly qualified or trained for the duties for which they are engaged, having due regard to Recommendation No. 137.

Article 2(g). The Committee has noted the arrangements under the Rules for Marine Investigations and Hearings: from section 6.2 it appears that an official inquiry into a serious marine casualty of the kind referred to by the Convention would be discretionary and not mandatory. Please indicate how it is ensured that such an inquiry always takes place, as required by the Convention, when incidents involving Liberian ships cause injury or loss of life; and whether the final report of such an inquiry is normally made public. Please supply information as to the numbers of inquiries held and measures taken as a result.

Article 3. Please indicate any measures taken to advise Liberian nationals of the possible problems of signing on for work on foreign-registered ships.

Article 4. Please indicate any action taken for the application of the standards of the Convention to foreign-registered ships calling at Liberian ports.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government has not yet communicated a detailed report on the Convention. It has also noted that direct contacts took place in 1989 between the Government and a mission from the Director-General of the ILO relating to the present Convention, amongst others, and in this connection it refers to its general observation.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a detailed report on the Convention in the form approved by the Governing Body. Having regard to Article 2(f) of the Convention, it hopes that the Government will describe inspection and other arrangements - at home or abroad - whereby it ensures that ships registered in Liberia comply with applicable international labour Conventions which it has ratified (in particular Nos. 22, 23, 53, 55, 58, 87, 92, 98 and 108) and with the laws and regulations required under Article 2(a) of the present Convention (including those ensuring substantial equivalence to Convention No. 73, Article 5 of Convention No. 68, and Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 134). It hopes the Government will also indicate, as requested in the report form, the size of inspection staff, the numbers and results of inspections and investigations of complaints, and any penalties imposed.

The Committee is dealing with further matters in a direct request.