No. 68 - Food and Catering (Ships' Crews), 1946

Provisions

• Ratifying countries are to promote a proper standard of food supply and catering service for the crews of sea-going vessels engaged in the transport of cargo or passengers. Regulations are to be framed and enforced that deal with: food and water supplies; catering equipment; food storage, handling and service; the inspection of these supplies and facilities; the certification of catering staff; and research into, and education concerning methods of ensuring a proper food supply and catering service.
• The provisions are to be administered by a permanent staff of qualified persons, including inspectors. National laws or regulations must prescribe penalties for failure to comply with laws or regulations in force and for any attempt to obstruct an inspector.
• The competent authority must prepare an annual report, which is to be made available to all bodies and persons concerned and is also to be sent to the International Labour Office.
• Training courses for employment in the catering department of seagoing ships are to be organised either in approved schools or through other arrangements acceptable to both ship owners' and seafarers' organisations.

Administered by

Maritime New Zealand

• Maritime Transport Act 1994
• Maritime Rules Part 51 - Crew Accommodation

Ministry of Health

How New Zealand implements it

• Section 23, of the Maritime Transport Act provides that employers of seafarers on New Zealand ships must provide suitable supplies of food and water.
• Part 51 - Crew Accommodation of the maritime rules pursuant to the Maritime Transport Act sets standards for the arrangement and equipping of galleys on seagoing ships.
• Ships' masters must every week inspect all parts of the ship where food is kept or served. Maritime Safety Inspectors employed by the Maritime Safety Authority also make annual inspections.
• Polytechnics undertake seafarers' training which includes the training of ships' cooks and stewards. The courses are based on research carried out by the polytechnics and the Ministry of Health.
• Representatives of seafarers, shipowners, government and polytechnics meet regularly to discuss training standards.
• The New Zealand Food Standards Authority also provides advice on the proper manufacture and preparation of food.

This Convention is not applicable to Tokelau.

Ratified - 31 May 1977

Total ratifications - 25

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