Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

Article 3 of the Convention. Retention of seafarer’s identity document by the seafarer. For many years, the Committee has been requesting the Government to indicate whether section 33 of Decree No. 26 of 1978 has been amended to ensure that the seafarer retains the identity document at all times. According to the information provided by the Government in its report, no amendment has been made. However, the Government indicates that, despite this provision, measures have been taken to ensure that a seafarer’s passport is at his disposal whenever necessary. The Committee reminds the Government that, in accordance with the Convention, the seafarer’s identity document shall remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times, and not just whenever necessary. It urges the Government to take measures to bring national law and practice into conformity with this provision.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that it is examining the possibility of ratifying the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185). It requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments in its examination of this matter.