The Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (No. 185) was adopted in 2003 with the aim to enhance maritime security worldwide by establishing a reliable international system for positively identifying professional seafarers and providing them with trustworthy biometric identification documents.
The Convention simplifies shipowners’ and seafarers’ “red tape” for shore leave by eliminating the need for seafarers with ILO-185 identification documents to also have United States D-1 visa. Seafarers’ Identity Documents or “SIDs” have been accepted for decades and reflect the historical recognition of the international nature of the shipping industry. Seafarers drawn from all parts of the world often need to transit countries to join or leave ships and while on a voyage may need to come ashore to use seafarers’ welfare facilities and medical facilities or contact their families.
On 1st of January 2018, seafarers’ shore leave got extra protection with amendments to IMO’s FAL Convention which bring in a new requirement for national governments to introduce electronic information exchange, including electronic data interchange (EDI), to transmit information related to maritime transport. This should be in place by 8 April 2019, with provision for a transitional period of at least 12 months during which paper and electronic documents would be allowed.
The amended version of the ILO Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention entered into force on 8 June 2017. The issuance of the new seafarer’s identity document, with technology similar to the one currently used in electronic passports, will contribute strongly to facilitating access to shore leave, transfer and transit of seafarers while enhancing security in ports through the use of a secure and internationally recognized document. In January 2018, Myamar became the 35th ILO Member to ratify the Convention.
The issuance of the new seafarers’ identity document, with technology similar to the one currently used in electronic passports, is expected to contribute strongly to facilitating access to shore leave, transfer and transit for seafarers while enhancing security in ports and borders through the use of a secure and internationally recognized document.
ILO has recently issued the following checklist for issuance of SIDs in accordance with Convention 185 as amended
