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Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) - Maldives (RATIFICATION: 2014)

The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) submitted after an initial examination by the Committee on the basis of information publicly available, in the framework of the “urgent appeal” procedure. The Committee recalls that the Maldives has not submitted a declaration of acceptance of the amendments to the Code of the Convention approved in 2014 by the International Labour Conference and is therefore not bound by these amendments. Recalling its 2016 general observation, the Committee encourages the Government to accept the 2014 amendments. It also notes that the amendments to the Code approved in 2018 entered into force for the Maldives on 26 December 2020. Following a second review of the information and documents available, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the following issues.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee takes note of the observations of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), received by the Office on 4 October 2021, alleging that ratifying states have failed to comply with certain provisions of the Convention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting with deep concern the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the protection of seafarers’ rights as laid out in the Convention, the Committee refers to its general observation of 2020 and its comments in the general report of 2021 on this issue, and requests the government to provide information in its next report on any temporary measures adopted in this regard, their duration and their impact on seafarers’ rights.

Article I of the Convention. General questions on application. Implementing measures. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to adopt without delay the necessary measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that Marine Circular Number INT-2013/003 dated 20 August 2013 (hereinafter, Marine Circular INT-2013/003) seeks to implement the MLC, 2006 in the Maldives. The Committee notes that, while the Circular covers some of the matters enshrined in the MLC, 2006, it has been adopted before the ratification of the Convention for the purpose of the voluntary inspection and certification of the Maldivian-flagged ships for compliance with the MLC, 2006. The Committee recalls that under Article I of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the Convention undertakes to give complete effect to its provisions in the manner set out in Article VI in order to secure the right of all seafarers to decent employment. The Committee requests the Government to clarify the legal value of Marine Circular INT-2013/003 and to revise its text in view of the ratification and entry into force of the MLC, 2006 for the Maldives. The Committee further requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, taking into account the following comments.

Article II, paragraph 1(f) and 2. Definitions and scope of application. Seafarers. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the definition of “seafarer” under the legislation implementing the Convention, specifying whether cases of doubt have arisen on whether any categories of persons are to be regarded as seafarers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no cases of doubt have been reported yet as well as its reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003. It further notes that the definition of seafarer in Annex 1 to the Circular includes, in line with the Convention, any person who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship to which the MLC, 2006 applies.  Referring to its comments under Article I, the Committee requests the Government to adopt the relevant legislation to fully implement Article II of the Convention. The Committee further requests the Government to confirm if cadets and apprentices are considered seafarers for the purpose of the Convention.

Article V. Implementation and enforcement. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on provisions of legislation or other measures, which prohibit the violation of the requirements of the Convention and establish sanctions or require the adoption of corrective measures to discourage such violations (Article V, paragraph 6).

Regulation 1.1 and Standard A1.1, paragraph 1. Minimum age. The Committee previously noted that, under section 6 of the Employment Act, “minors under the age of sixteen years shall not be employed except in connection with training associated with their education or deportment”. Noting that this provision allows for exceptions to the minimum age, the Committee requested the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that no person below 16 years is employed or engaged or work on a ship, as required by the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that although there are no specific minimum age requirements for seafarers to work on a ship, the Maldivian Constitution and the Employment Act prohibit the employment of any person under 18 years. While noting this information, the Committee observes that under section 11(a) of Chapter 3 of the Employment Act, in accordance with section 6, a minor (i.e. a person under 18 years) shall only be employed on a vessel upon submission of a medical certificate of fitness for such employment which is issued by a medical practitioner licensed by the Government. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that no person under 16 years may be employed or engaged or work on a ship, as required by Standard A1.1, paragraph 1.

Regulation 1.1 and Standard A1.1, paragraph 2. Minimum age. Night work. The Committee previously noted that under section 9(b) of the Employment Act, a minor shall not be required to work after 11 p.m. It requested the Government to indicate how “night” is defined pursuant to Standard A1.1, paragraph 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that there is no national provision implementing Standard A1.1, paragraph 2. The Committee recalls that under this provision, “night” shall be defined in accordance with national law and practice and shall cover a period of at least nine hours starting no later than midnight and ending no earlier than 5 a.m. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure conformity with Standard A1.1, paragraph 2.

Regulation 1.1 and Standard A1.1, paragraph 4. Minimum age. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted that: a) under section 7(a) of the Employment Act, no minors, i.e. persons under 18 years of age, shall be employed in any work or employment that may have a detrimental effect on their health, education, safety or conduct; and b) specific types of hazardous work have not been identified under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138). The Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with Standard A1.1, paragraph 4 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that, as the employment of all persons under 18 years of age is prohibited under the Maldivian Constitution and the Employment Act, the need for a provision may not be imminent. The Committee notes however that sections 6 and 7(a) of the Employment Act allow minors to work from the age of 16 and prohibit their employment in hazardous work. Referring also to its comments under Convention No. 138 and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to determine the types of hazardous work prohibited to seafarers under 18 years of age in conformity with Standard A1.1, paragraph 4, after consultation with the shipowners' and seafarers' organizations concerned.

Regulation 1.2 and the Code. Medical certificate. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 1.2 and Standard A1.2. The Committee notes the Government’s information that under section 27 of the Regulation on recruiting seamen, when registering an employment contract of a seamen at the Ministry of Transport, the employer shall submit a medical certificate indicating that the employee is medically fit to be a seamen. The Committee also notes that sections 11(a) and (b) of the Employment Act provide that a minor shall only be employed on a vessel upon submission of a medical certificate of fitness, which is issued by a medical practitioner licensed by the Government and shall be renewed at least on an annual basis at the employer’s expense. The Committee notes the sample format of seafarers medical certificate (annex 5 to Marine Circular INT 2013/003). It also notes that the Government refers to Annex 7a of the Circular, which is a sample of declaration of maritime labour compliance (DMLC), Part I, for voluntary certification and does not include the national requirements embodying the relevant provisions of the Convention (see comments under Regulations 5.1.1-5.1.4 and the Code). Noting that the Regulation on recruiting seamen is not available at the Office, the Committee requests the Government to reproduce the provisions thereof (or a summary) that implement the detailed requirements of Standard A1.2, as well as any other texts of legislation giving effect to such requirements.

Regulation 1.3. Training and qualifications. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 1.3. The Committee notes the Government's information that all Maldivian seafarers are trained and certified under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW). The Committee requests the Government to reproduce the relevant national provisions giving effect to Regulation 1.3 or to provide a summary thereof. It also requests the Government to indicate how it is ensured that seafarers who are not covered by the STCW (e.g. hotel and catering staff) are qualified to carry out their duties on board.

Regulation 1.4 and the Code. Recruitment and placement. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the provisions on private employment agencies of the Employment Act (sections 65 et seq.) and requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Standard A1.4. The Committee notes the Government's reference to the Regulation on recruiting seamen, according to which in order to register as a recruitment agency it is necessary to obtain a permit from the relevant authority or ministry. Noting that the Regulation on recruiting seamen is not available at the Office, the Committee requests the Government to indicate how the Regulation gives effect to the detailed requirements of Standard A1.4, reproducing the relevant provisions or a summary thereof.

Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(a) and (c). Seafarers’ employment agreements. Signature of seafarer and shipowner or a representative. Signed original. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to indicate how it gives full effect to Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(a) and (c) of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Marine Circular INT-2013/003 and the Regulation on recruiting seamen stipulate that an employment contract shall be in place between the employer (recruiting agency/shipowner) and the employee. The Committee notes that Annex 1 to Marine Circular INT-2013/003 provides that shipowners shall ensure that the crew agreement prescribed by the Transport Authority for Maldivian-flagged vessels is signed by both the seafarer and the shipowner or his representative prior to commencing work on board ship. The Committee recalls that Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(c) additionally requires that the shipowner and seafarer concerned shall each have a signed original of the seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA). In relation to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I. Noting that the Regulation on recruiting seamen is not available at the Office, the Committee requests the Government to indicate how the Regulation gives effect to Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(a), reproducing the relevant provisions or a summary thereof. It also requests the Government to indicate the legislation implementing Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(c) of the Convention.

Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(b), (d), (e) and paragraphs 2–4. Seafarers’ employment agreement. Examination and advice before signing. Record of employment. Documents available in English. Content. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the legal provisions implementing Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(b), (d), (e) and paragraphs 2-4 of the Convention. Noting the Government's reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Standard A2.1, paragraph 1(b), (d), (e) and paragraphs 2-4 of the Convention.

Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1, paragraph 5. Seafarers’ employment agreement. Minimum notice period for termination. Noting that the provisions of the Employment Act regulating the period of notice (sections 22 et seq.) are not in full conformity with the Convention, the Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure full compliance with Standard A2.1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes the Government's reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003 according to which the minimum notice period to be given for early termination of the SEA is a minimum of seven days. The Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give fully effect to Standard A2.1, paragraph 5.

Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1, paragraph 6. Seafarers’ employment agreement. Termination. Shorter notice period for urgent reasons. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information with regard to the application of Standard A2.1, paragraph 6. Noting the Government's reference to section 23 of the Employment Act, the Committee reiterates its comment that such section only provides for termination without notice in case of dismissal by the employer for reasonable grounds. The Committee requests the Government to ensure that in determining the circumstances justifying the termination of employment at shorter notice or without notice, the need of the seafarer to terminate employment without penalty for compassionate or other urgent reasons is taken into account, as provided by Standard A2.1, paragraph 6.

Regulations 2.1 and 2.2 and Standards A2.1, paragraph 7 and Standard A2.2, paragraph 7. Seafarers’ employment agreements and wages. Captivity as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against ships. In relation to the 2018 amendments to the Code of the Convention, the Committee recalls that a seafarers’ employment agreement must continue to have effect and wages and other entitlements must continue to be paid during the entire period of captivity of a seafarer as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against ships. In this regard, the Committee brings the Government’s attention to the following questions included in the revised report form for the Convention: a) do laws or regulations provide that a seafarer’s employment agreement shall continue to have effect while the seafarer is held captive on or off the ship as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against ships?; b) how are the terms piracy and armed robbery against ships defined under national legislation? (Standard A2.1, paragraph 7); and c) do laws or regulations provide that wages and other entitlements under the seafarers’ employment agreement, relevant collective bargaining agreement or applicable national laws, including the remittance of any allotments, shall continue to be paid during the entire period of captivity and until the seafarer is released and duly repatriated or, where the seafarer dies while in captivity, until the date of death in accordance with national legislation? (Standard A2.2, paragraph 7). The Committee requests the Government to reply to the abovementioned questions, indicating in each case the applicable national provisions.

Regulation 2.2 and Standard A2.2, paragraphs 3–5. Wages. Allotments. The Committee noted that section 50(b) of the Employment Act allows payments to be made to a person nominated by the employee. It requested the Government to indicate how it ensures full conformity with Standard A2.2, paragraphs 3-5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's information that section 48(h) of Regulation on recruiting seamen stipulates that agencies shall maintain records of seafarers’ requests for wages to be transmitted to their families, dependents or legal beneficiaries and maintain documentation on the successful transmission. The Committee also notes the Government’s reference to the sample of DMLC, Part I, for voluntary certification annexed to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, which does not refer to national requirements embodying the relevant provisions of the Convention. The Committee recalls that Standard A2.2, paragraphs 3-5 provide for a number of requirements for wage remittances (e.g. allotments should be remitted in due time to the person nominated, any charge must be reasonable and the rate of currency exchange not unfavourable to the seafarer). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to give full effect to the requirements of Standard A2.2, paragraphs 3-5 of the Convention.

Regulation 2.3 and the Code. Hours of work and hours of rest. In its previous comments, noting that section 34(a) of the Employment Act excludes seafarers from its provisions on working time, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 2.3 and the Code. Noting the Government’s reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Regulation 2.3 and Standard A2.3.

Regulation 2.4 and Standard A2.4, paragraph 2. Entitlement to leave. Minimum paid annual leave. Method of calculation. In its previous comments, the Committee, noting that section 39 of the Employment Act provides for thirty days of paid annual leave, requested the Government to specify the method of calculation of paid annual leave for periods shorter than one year or in the event of termination of the employment relationship. Noting the Government’s reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Standard A2.4, paragraph 2.

Regulation 2.4, paragraph 2. Entitlement to leave. Shore leave. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide detailed information on the implementation of Regulation 2.4, paragraph 2. Noting the Government’s reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I. Recalling that Standard A2.4 calls for the adoption of laws and regulations, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Regulation 2.4, paragraph 2.

Regulation 2.5 and the Code. Repatriation. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 2.5 and the Code. Noting the Government’s reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Regulation 2.5 and the Code.

Regulation 2.7 and the Code. Manning levels. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 2.7 and the Code. The Committee notes that the Government refers to the sample of DMLC, Part I, for voluntary certification annexed to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, which does not include the national requirements embodying the relevant provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to give full effect to Regulation 2.7 and Standard A2.7.

Regulation 2.8 and the Code. Career and skill development and employment opportunities for seafarers. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 2.8 and Standard A2.8. Noting the absence of information in this regard in the Government’s report, the Committee reiterates its previous request.

Regulation 3.1 and the Code. Accommodation and recreational facilities. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 3.1 and Standard A3.1. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Annex 3 of Marine Circular INT-2013/003, which deals with only part of the requirements of Standard A3.1. Recalling that Standard A3.1 requires the adoption of laws and regulations providing for minimum standards on accommodation and recreational facilities, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Regulation 3.1 and Standard A3.1.

Regulation 3.2 and the Code. Food and catering. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 3.2 and the Code. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Annex 4 of Marine Circular INT-2013/003, which deals with the matters provided by Standard A3.2. It observes, however, that the Circular does not provide for the requirement that food shall be of appropriate quality, nutritional value, quantity and variety and free of charge for seafarers, and that drinking water shall be suitable in respect of quantity (Regulation 3.2, paragraphs 1 and 2 and Standard A3.2, paragraph 2(a)). Recalling that Standard A3.2 calls for the adoption of laws, regulations or other measures to provide minimum standards for the quantity and quality of food and drinking water and for the catering standards applied to meals, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Regulation 3.2 and Standard A3.2.

Regulation 4.1 and the Code. Medical care on board and ashore. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 4.1 and the Code. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, which covers the matters enshrined in Regulation 4.1 and Standard A4.1 partly in Annex 5 and partly in Annex 7a, i.e. the sample of DMLC, Part I for voluntary certification that does not include the national requirements embodying the relevant provisions of the Convention. The Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Regulation 4.1 and Standard A4.1.

Regulation 4.2 and the Code. Shipowners’ liability. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 4.2 and the Code. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, which covers the matters provided for by Standard A4.2.1, paragraphs 1–7. It also notes that the Circular contains no provisions giving effect to Standard A4.2.1, paragraph 1(b) (system of financial security to ensure compensation in the event of death or long-term disability). The Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Regulation 4.2 and Standard A4.2.1, paragraphs 1–7.

Regulation 4.3 and the Code. Health and safety protection and accident prevention. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 4.3 and the Code. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the sample of DMLC, Part I, for voluntary certification annexed to Marine Circular INT-2013/003, which does not refer to national requirements embodying the relevant provisions of the Convention. The Committee recalls that Regulation 4.3, paragraph 3, calls for the adoption of laws, regulations and other measures addressing the matters specified in the Code, to be reviewed in consultation with the seafarers’ and shipowners’ organizations concerned. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to give effect to Regulation 4.3 and Standard A4.3.

Regulation 4.4 and the Code. Access to shore-based welfare facilities. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 4.4 and Standard A4.4. It notes the Government’s information that currently, there are no shore-based welfare facilities in the Maldives. The Committee recalls that under Standard A4.4, paragraph 2, the development of welfare facilities should be promoted in appropriate ports determined after consultation with shipowners’ and seafarers’ organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the development of welfare facilities in accordance with Regulation 4.4 and Standard A4.4.

Regulations 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4 and the Code. Flag State responsibilities. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application of Regulations 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4 and the Code. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Annex 7 of the Marine Circular INT-2013/003 stating that ships may apply for voluntary inspections and issuance of statements of compliance. The Government further indicates that under Law No. 3/2016 (Transport Authority Act), the Transport Authority of the Maldives is legally authorized and mandated to issue certifications and conduct the relevant investigations. The Committee further notes that the sample of DMLC, Part I, annexed to Marine Circular INT-2013/003 is for voluntary certification and does not refer to the national requirements and the legal texts embodying the relevant provisions of the Convention, as required under Standard A5.1.3, paragraph 10(a). The Committee finally notes that the Government provides scarce information on the implementation of Regulation 5.1.4 and Standard A5.1.4, indicating that no legislation has been adopted on a number of issues, e.g. Regulation 5.1.4, paragraph 1 and Standard A5.14, paragraphs 4, 7(c), 12 and 16. Referring to its comments under Article I, the Committee recalls that, further to the entry into force of the MLC, 2006 for the Maldives, the Member is bound to effectively exercise its control over ships that fly its flag by establishing a system to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Convention, as well as to ensure that Maldivian-flagged ships carry on board a maritime labour certificate and a DMLC in conformity with Standard A5.1.3. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to implement Regulations 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4 and the respective provisions of the Code.

Regulation 5.1.5 and the Code. Flag State responsibilities. On-board complaints procedures. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 5.1.5 and the Code. The Committee notes that Annex 6 of Marine Circular INT-2013/003 provides for on-board complaint procedures and includes a model of the procedures. Recalling that Regulation 5.1.5 and Standard A5.1.5 call for the adoption of laws or regulations regarding on-board complaint procedures, the Committee refers to its comments under Article I and requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to Regulation 5.1.5 and Standard A5.1.5.

Regulation 5.1.6. Flag State responsibilities. Marine casualties. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulation 5.1.6. It notes the Government’s information that as per Law No. 3/2016, the Transport Authority is legally mandated to investigate marine accidents and take any necessary measures. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how Law No. 3/2016 gives effect to the provisions of Regulation 5.1.6, reproducing the relevant provisions or a summary thereof.

Regulation 5.2 and the Code. Port State responsibilities. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of Regulations 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 and the Code. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is part of the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU) on Port State Control, as well as the information on the Port state control officers appointed. It also notes the Government’s information that there are no legislation or procedures in place implementing Regulation 5.2.2 and the Code. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to give effect to Regulation 5.2.2 and Standard A5.2.2.

Documents requested. The Committee requests the Government to provide the following documents and information: an example in English of the approved document for seafarers’ record of employment (Standard A2.1, paragraphs 1 and 3); an example of the documentation accepted or issued with respect to the financial security that must be provided by shipowners (Regulation 2.5, paragraph 2); for each type of ship (passenger, cargo, etc.), a typical example in English of a safe manning document or equivalent issued by the competent authority (Standard A2.7, paragraph 1); an example of the documentation accepted or issued with respect to the financial security that must be provided by shipowners (Standard A4.2.1, paragraph 1(b); a copy of the relevant national guidelines on occupational safety and health on board (Regulation 4.3, paragraph 2); a copy of the document(s) used for reporting unsafe conditions or occupational accidents on board ship (Standard A4.3, paragraph 1(d)); the following statistical information for the period covered by next report: i) number of ships flying your country’s flag that were inspected for compliance with the requirements of the Convention and number of inspectors carrying out those inspections; ii) number of full-term (up to five years) maritime labour certificates in force; and iii) number of interim certificates issued; a copy of the standard maritime labour certificate, including the DMLC, Part I , as well as an example/examples of the DMLC, Part II, which have been prepared by a shipowner and have been accepted by your country when certifying ships; a copy of the national interim maritime labour certificate (Standard A5.1.3); a copy of any national guidelines issued to inspectors in implementation of Standard A5.1.4, paragraph 7; a copy of the form used for an inspector’s report (Standard A5.1.4, paragraph 12); the following statistical information for the period covered by next report: i) number of foreign ships inspected in port; ii) number of more detailed inspections carried out according to Standard A5.2.1, paragraph 1; iii) number of cases where significant deficiencies were detected; and iv) number of detentions of foreign ships due, wholly or partly, to conditions on board ship that are clearly hazardous to the safety, health or security of seafarers, or constitute a serious or repeated breach of the requirements of the MLC, 2006 (including seafarers’ rights); and a copy of a document, if any, that describes the onshore complaint-handling procedures (Standard A5.2.2).

[The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2024.]