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

Medical Examination (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 113) - Panama (Ratification: 1970)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report, and particularly the adoption of resolutions ADM Nos. 197-2005 of 17 June 2005 and 058-2006 of 10 April 2006, establishing the list of 114 medical practitioners authorized to issue a medical certificate for fishers. It would however be grateful for further information on the following points.

Article 4 of the Convention. Validity of medical certificates. The Committee notes that, under the terms of section 4 of Decree No. 24 of 30 November 1981, the validity of the medical certificate shall not exceed six months for fishers under 21 years of age and one year for fishers over 21 years. The Committee however notes the indication on the model form used by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) indicating that it is valid for two years. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the above Decree is still in force, particularly following the adoption of Legislative Decree No. 8 of 26 February 1998 issuing the Regulations on maritime labour at sea and on waterways, and to specify the period during which medical certificates issued to fishers are valid.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the information concerning the organization of the service responsible for maritime labour inspection, and the statistical data on the number of infringements reported between 2001 and 2006. It also notes that, during the same period, 562 new fishing licences were issued. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing general information, with an indication, for example, of the number of workers protected by the measures giving effect to the Convention, extracts from the reports of the inspection services, etc.