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

Sierra Leone

Fishermen's Competency Certificates Convention, 1966 (No. 125) (Ratification: 1967)
Accommodation of Crews (Fishermen) Convention, 1966 (No. 126) (Ratification: 1967)

The Committee notes the Government’s reports on the application of Conventions Nos 125 and 126. In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on fishing, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine them together.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources among others took the following measures to address the adverse impacts of the pandemic on fisher’s rights: sensitization and awareness campaigns; supply of relief items to fishing communities for COVID-19 management measures; reduction of fishing hours; ban on foreign canoe boats; and provision of sanitizers to all fishing vessels. The adoption of certain restrictive measures was considered crucial in the interest of ensuring public safety and health. However, the rights of fishers were suspended only during the intensity of the spread of the disease. The Committee takes note of this information.

Fishermen ’ s Competency Certificates Convention, 1966 (No. 125)

Articles 3–15 of the Convention. Certificates of competency and professional experience required. The Committee notes that, in reply to its comments, the Government refers to the Merchant Shipping Act No. 3, 2003, as amended in 2008, and the Merchant Shipping (Standard, Training, Certification & Watch Keeping for Seafarers) Regulation, 2021, which are the only legal and regulatory frameworks addressing the issue of competency certificate. The Committee notes the Government’s information that, inter alia, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration ensures that the competent fishers who have undergone the requisite vocational trainings, and or have had a wealth of experience through practice and rendering service in the field are given their competency or proficiency certificate. While noting this information, the Committee notes that none of the legislation cited by the Government gives application to the provisions of the Convention and that the Regulation of 2021 expressly excludes fishing vessels from its scope of application. The Committee observes with deep concern that the Government has failed to adopt measures to implement the Convention. The Committee urges the Government to adopt without delay the necessary measures to give effect to the Convention by ensuring that fishers received adequate training to perform their duties.

Accommodation of Crews (Fishermen) Convention, 1966 (No. 126)

Articles 6, 10 and 12 of the Convention. Crew accommodation. The Committee notes that, in reply to its comments, the Government indicates that the Convention is yet to be domesticated, and it is engaging with stakeholders to this end. The delay has been principally due to the fact that even though there are many fishing vessels in Sierra Leone, their tonnage and size are small and far below the thresholds contemplated in the Convention. The Government adds that section 167 of the Merchant Shipping Act provides a basis for the implementation of the Convention, as under this section the Minister of Transport and Aviation is invested with the power and authority to make regulations relative to accommodation of crew members. The Government indicates that it will make meaningful efforts to ensure that the necessary measures are adopted to give effect to the requirements of the Convention. While taking note of this information, the Committee observes with deep concern that the Government has not adopted measures to implement the Convention. The Committee urges the Government to adopt without delay the necessary measures to give full effect to the requirements of the Convention in respect of fishing vessels of 75 gross registered tons or more.

[ The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2027 ]