Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2010, publiée 100ème session CIT (2011)

Articles 2–7 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention, in particular the revision of the Seafarers Act of 2005 and the consequential amendment of the Enforcement Decree and Regulations to introduce the seafarers’ identity documents (SID) system. According to the Government’s report, SIDs contain machine-readable biometric data (fingerprint) thus conforming to the requirements of Article 3 and Annex I of the Convention. The Government further indicates that a biometric recognition system was developed in 2005 to enable a record of each SID issued, suspended or withdrawn to be stored in an electronic database. SIDs are issued within one week from the date on which an application is made and have a validity of ten years.

The Committee notes, however, the Government’s statement that, although the national legislation was amended to reflect the provisions of the Convention, in practice no SIDs have been issued and no steps have been taken to set up the relevant database due to an apparent lack of any practical need. The Government also states that no evaluation of the administration of the system has been carried out and that it does not intend to apply for its entry on the list of Members which fully meet the minimum requirements of Article 5(1) of the Convention. The Government further indicates that the existing seafarers’ pocketbooks are sufficient for the purposes of verifying the seafarer’s identity and, therefore, there is little reason for a new SID issuance system in the absence of a generalized practice among member States.

While noting the Government’s explanations, the Committee requests the Government to transmit copies of the amended texts of the Seafarers Act and its Enforcement Decree and Regulations, the Immigration Control Act and its Enforcement Decree and Regulations, and the Guidelines for Management of Seafarers’ Affairs. It also requests the Government to indicate any further developments which might affect the practical implementation of the Convention. Finally, the Committee would appreciate receiving a specimen (not a photocopy) seafarer’s identity document issued in accordance with the procedures and standards set out in the Convention.