Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Dominica

Seamen's Articles of Agreement Convention, 1926 (No. 22) (Ratification: 1983)
Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) (Ratification: 1983)
Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 147) (Ratification: 2004)

The Committee notes the observations of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) and the Dominica Employers’ Federation communicated with the Government’s report. It notes that the DPSU welcomes the strong language used in its previous comment regarding the fact that the Government has not submitted a report regarding the implementation of these Conventions in the last decade.

In reply to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that Dominica is in the process of reviewing its maritime legislation with a view to make updates in view of the ratification the Maritime Labour Convention, as amended (MLC, 2006) and the Seafarers’ Identity Document Convention (Revised), 2003, as amended (No. 185). The Committee requests the Government to inform it of any developments in this regard.

Seafarers ’ Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108)

Article 2 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Shipping Act of the Commonwealth of the Dominica does not contain any specific provisions for issuing seafarers’ books. The Committee accordingly requests to the Government to adopt without delay the necessary measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 147)

Previous comment

Article 2 of the Convention. Implementing legislation. In reply to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that Dominica adopted protocols issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Government highlights the issuance of Circular Letter No. 4361 on 17 December 2020, which designate all Dominican seafarers as key workers providing essential services to facilitate timely crew changes and repatriation. The Committee further notes that as from October 2024, the maritime authority partnered with a local private stakeholder and a training organization to offer seafarer training to Dominicans. The Government indicates that there are no new legislative developments regarding the Convention. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures without delay to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention.