ES    ES  COMISIÓN DE LAS COMUNIDADES EUROPEAS 
Bruselas, 30.07.2004 
COM(2004) 530 final 
2004/0180 (CNS)   
Propuesta de  
DECISIÓN DEL CONSEJO  
por la que se autoriza a los Estados miembros para ratificar, en interés de la Comunidad 
Europea, el Convenio de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo sobre los 
documentos de identidad de la gente de mar (Convenio nº 185)  
(presentada por la Comisión) 
 
ES 2   ES EXPOSICIÓN DE MOTIVOS  
Objetivo  
1. El Convenio n° 185 de la Organización In ternacional del Trabajo (denominada en lo 
sucesivo la OTI) sobre los documentos de id entidad de la gente de mar (revisado) 
(denominado en lo sucesivo el Convenio) se aprobó el 19 de junio de 2003 en el 
marco de la Conferencia General de la OI T, convocada en Ginebra por el Consejo de 
Administración de la Oficina Internaciona l del Trabajo reunido en su nonagésima 
primera sesión. 
2. El objetivo final del Convenio es mejorar el sistema de identificación de la gente de 
mar, que es un elemento necesario para gara ntizar el equilibrio entre la seguridad del 
sector marítimo y el foment o de unas condiciones de vida y trabajo adecuadas para la 
gente de mar.  
3. A fin de lograr estos objetivos, el Convenio establece determinadas normas en 
materia de visado para la bajada a tierra de los marinos. Asimismo, el Convenio hace 
referencia a la entrada de la gente de mar en el territorio de los Estados miembros, en 
particular en caso de tránsito, reembarco o repatriación. Ahora bi en, de conformidad 
con el Título IV del Tratado constitutivo de la Comunidad Europea (denominado en 
lo sucesivo el Tratado), la competencia en  materia de visados es una competencia 
comunitaria que ya ha sido ejercida.  
4. En este contexto y con el fin de garantizar  la división de competencias establecida en 
el Tratado, la Comisión propone en el pres ente documento que el Consejo autorice a 
los Estados miembros sujetos a las normas co munitarias sobre visa dos a ratificar el 
Convenio en interés de la Comunidad.  
El Convenio n° 185 de la OIT sobre los documentos de identidad de la gente de mar  
5. El Convenio responde al mandato fundament al de la OIT, que es fomentar unas 
condiciones de vida y trabajo adecuadas para la gente de mar, y considera que, 
debido a la índole mundial de la industria del transporte  marítimo, la gente de mar 
necesita una protección especial.  
6. El Convenio pretende dotar de seguridad al documento de identidad de la gente de 
mar para garantizar un equilibrio importante entre, por una parte, el refuerzo de la 
seguridad del transporte marítimo y, por otra, la simplificación de las condiciones de escala de los marinos en países de los que no sean nacionales.  
7. En este contexto, el Convenio establece un sistema más seguro de identificación de 
la gente de mar mediante la inclusión de datos biométricos; por ello, las medidas de 
flexibilidad que establece el Convenio no van en detrimento de la seguridad.  
8. El Convenio reconoce los principios consagrados en el Convenio sobre los 
documentos de identidad de la gente de  mar de 1958, en lo que respecta a la 
facilitación de la entrada de la gente de mar al territorio de lo s Estados miembros a 
efectos del permiso para baja r a tierra, del tránsi to, del reembarco en  otro buque o de 
la repatriación.  
 
ES 3   ES 9. Este sistema se basa en el hecho de que  la gente de mar trabaja y vive en buques 
dedicados al comercio internacional, y en que el acceso a las instalaciones de tierra y 
el permiso para bajar a tierra son elementos decisivos para el bienestar general de la 
gente de mar que también contribuyen a l ograr las mejores condi ciones de seguridad 
en la navegación marítima.  
10. En este contexto, el Convenio establece de terminadas normas en materia de visados 
para la bajada a tierra de los marinos. As í, el apartado 6 del artículo 6 del Convenio 
revisado establece que “No se subordinará el disfrute del permiso de los marinos para 
bajar a tierra a que éstos sean titulares de un visado. Todo Miembro que no esté en condiciones de cumplir cabalmente este requ isito velará por que en su legislación o 
su práctica se prevean disposiciones que  sean esencialmente equivalentes". 
11. Por otra parte, el apartado 7 del artículo 6 del Convenio se refi ere a situaciones de 
tránsito, transferencia y repatriación de la gente de mar al disponer que " Cada 
Miembro para el cual esté en vigor el pr esente Convenio autorizará igualmente, a la 
mayor brevedad, la entrada en su territo rio a los marinos titulares de un documento 
de identidad de la gente de mar válido, así como un pasaporte, cuando la entrada 
tenga por objeto: 
a) el embarco en su buque o el reembarco en otro buque; 
b) el tránsito para embarcarse en su buque en otro país o para  su repatriación, o 
cualquier otro fin aprobado por las auto ridades del Miembro interesado. […]”  
12. El Título IV del Tratado " Visados, asilo, inmigración y otras políticas relacionadas 
con la libre circulación de personas " introduce una competenci a comunitaria general 
en relación con todos los elementos que cons tituyen la política de visados, para las 
estancias de corta y larga duración (letra b)  del apartado 2 del ar tículo 62 y apartados 
3 y 4 del artículo 63 del Tratado, respectivamente ). En particular, el  inciso i) de la 
letra b) del apartado 2 del artículo 62 dispone  que las medidas relativas a la lista de 
los terceros países cuyos n acionales tengan la obligación de ser titulare s de visado 
para cruzar una frontera exte rior y de aquéllos cuyos naci onales estén exentos de esa 
obligación son competencia de la Comunidad Europea. 
13. La Comunidad ya ha ejercido su comp etencia en esta materia al adoptar el 
Reglamento (CE) del Consejo nº 539/2001, de 15 de marzo de 2001
1, por el que se 
establece la lista de terceros países cuyos nacionales están sometidos a la obligación 
de visado para cruzar las fronteras exteri ores y la lista de terceros países cuyos 
nacionales están exentos de esta obligación. 
14. Además, desde su entrada en vigor, el Tratado de Amsterdam ha incorporado el 
acervo de Shengen en el marco de la Unión Europea2. El acervo de Shengen incluye 
                                                 
1 DO nº L 081 de 21.03.2001, modificado por los Reglamentos (CE) nº 2414/2001 del Consejo, de 
7.12.2001, y nº 453/2003 de 6 de marzo de 2003.  
2 Protocolo por el que se integra el acervo de Shengen en el marco de la Unión Europea, adjunto al 
Tratado de la Unión Europea y al Tratado constitu tivo de la Comunidad Europea, DOCE C 340 de 10 
de noviembre de 1997. 
 
ES 4   ES disposiciones en materia de política de vi sado de corta duración que tienen su base 
jurídica en la letra b) del punt o 2 del artículo 62 del Tratado3.  
15. En particular, los apartados 6.5.2 y 6.5.4 de  la parte II del Manual común de las 
fronteras exteriores4 se refieren, respectivamente, a las condiciones en las que la 
gente de mar puede bajar a tierra y a la entrada en el territorio de los Estados 
miembros de la gente de mar en situaci ón de tránsito, reembarco y repatriación.  
16. De hecho, según la jurisprudencia AETR de l Tribunal de Justicia sobre competencias 
exteriores, los Estados miembros ya no son libres para ratificar por propia iniciativa 
el Convenio de la OIT n° 185 sobre los docum entos de identidad de la gente de mar, 
ya que las disposiciones de éste sobre la exenci ón de visado en la ba jada a tierra de la 
gente de mar y la referencia a las condicione s de entrada de la gente de mar en el 
territorio de los Estados miem bros a efectos de tránsit o, reembarco o repatriación 
afectan al ejercicio de la competencia comunitaria en este ámbito.  
Propuesta de la Comisión  
17. Teniendo en cuenta las consideraciones an teriores, es convenie nte, por una parte, 
mantener la aplicación de las normas comun itarias en materia de visados y, por otra, 
mostrar con firmeza al resto del mundo la importancia que la Comunidad concede a 
este Convenio.  
18. Una solución que conciliara estos dos elem entos se ajustaría plenamente al objetivo 
del Convenio, que es facilitar la entrada de la gente de mar en el territorio de los Estados miembros sujetos a las normas co munitarias sobre visados, garantizando al 
mismo tiempo la identidad de la gente del mar, y permitiría a estos Estados 
miembros realizar los objetivos del Convenio.  
19. Según las normas de funcionamiento de la  OIT, el proceso de firma previo a la 
ratificación que existe en otras orga nizaciones ha sido sustituido por un 
procedimiento de votación (adoptado en junio por la Conferencia Internacional) que 
equivale a la firma, pero el Convenio a ún no ha entrado en vigor. La Comisión no ha 
participado en estas negociaciones, aunque ha asistido como observador. Los Estados 
y los representantes de los patronos y de lo s trabajadores participan en la negociación 
y en la votación para la aprobación del C onvenio. Sólo los Estados pueden adherirse 
a este Convenio.  
                                                
 
3 Decisión 1999/435/CE del Consejo, de 20 de mayo de 1999, sobre la definición del Acuerdo de 
Shengen a efectos de determinar, de conformidad con las disposiciones pertinentes del Tratado 
constitutivo de la Comunidad Europea y del Tratado so bre la Unión Europea, la base jurídica de cada 
una de las disposiciones o decisiones que constituyen dicho acervo, DOCE L 176, de 10 de julio de 
1999, p. 1, y la Decisión 1999/436/CE del Consejo, de 20 de mayo de 1999, por la que se determina, de 
conformidad con las disposiciones pertinentes del Tratado constitutivo de la Comunidad Europea y del Tratado de la Unión Europea, la base jurídica de cada una de las disposiciones o decisiones que 
constituyen el acervo de Schengen, DOCE L 176, de 10 de julio de 1999, p. 17. De conformidad con lo 
dispuesto en el apartado 2 del artículo 1 de la Decisión 1999/435 del Consejo, los textos que 
constituyen el acervo de Schengen han sido publicados  (DOCE L 239, de 22 de septiembre de 2000).  
4 Decisión SCH/Com-ex (99)13, de 28 de abril de 1999, relativa a las versiones definitivas del Manual 
común y de las Instrucciones Consulares Comunes dirigidas a los representantes diplomáticos y 
consulares de carrera (DO L 239 de 22.9.2000, p.317). Una versión actualizada del Manual - a 
excepción de algunos anexos confidenciales – se publicó en el DO C 313 de 16.12.2002, p. 97.  
 
ES 5   ES 20. La Comisión ha tomado nota del voto favorable emitido por los Estados miembros 
que han negociado el Convenio en lo que re specta a su contribu ción al fomento de 
unas condiciones de trabajo satisfactorias pa ra la gente de mar, así como de la 
necesidad de que entre en vigor a la mayor brevedad. 
21. Habida cuenta de que la competencia en  materia de visados es una competencia 
comunitaria, la Comisión propone en el pr esente documento que el Consejo autorice  
a los Estados miembros sujetos a las normas comunitarias en este ámbito a ratificar 
el Convenio en interés de la Comunidad.  
22. Esta excepción al ejercicio normal de la competencia comun itaria con arreglo al 
artículo 300 del Tratado constitutivo de la Comunidad Europea puede justificarse 
excepcionalmente por el interés que reviste el  Convenio para la gente de mar y por la 
necesidad de que su entrada en vigor se produzca lo antes posible. Ahora bien, esta decisión debe mantener su carácter excepcional y no puede constituir en modo alguno un precedente para el futuro.  
23. Así, la presente Decisión permitirá a los Estados miembros adoptar todas las 
disposiciones necesarias pa ra la ratificación. Además, podrán considerarse 
modalidades de ratificación común que den a conocer al resto del mundo la 
importancia que la Comunidad concede al Convenio.  
24. De conformidad con lo dispuesto en el ar tículo 4 del Protocolo sobre la posición de 
la Dinamarca, adjunto al Tratado de la Un ión Europea y al Trata do constitutivo de la 
Comunidad Europea, este Estado miem bro aplica las medidas por las que se 
determinan los terceros países cuyos nacional es necesitan un visado para el paso de 
las fronteras exteriores y las medidas re lativas al establecimiento de un modelo 
normalizado de visado. En consecuencia, Dina marca es destinataria de la presente 
Decisión.  
25. En aplicación del artículo 1 del Protoc olo sobre la posición del Reino Unido e 
Irlanda, adjunto al Tratado de la Unión Europea y al Tratado constitutivo de la 
Comunidad Europea, y sin perjuicio de lo dispuesto en el artículo 4 del Protocolo 
anteriormente citado, la presente Decisión no se aplica a Irlanda ni al Reino Unido. 
 
26. La presente Decisión debe considerarse como un acto de desarrollo del acervo de 
Schengen, tal como se define en el anexo A del Acuerdo firmado el 18 de mayo de 1999 entre el Consejo, Noruega e Islandia con el  fin de asociar estos dos Estados a la 
puesta en práctica, aplicación y desarrollo del acervo de Schengen
5.  
                                                 
5 DO L 176 de 10.7.1999, p. 35.  
 
ES 6   ES 2004/0180 (CNS) 
Propuesta de  
DECISIÓN DEL CONSEJO  
por la que se autoriza a los Estados miembros para ratificar, en interés de la Comunidad 
Europea, el Convenio de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo sobre los 
documentos de identidad de la gente de mar (Convenio nº 185)  
El CONSEJO DE LA UNIÓN EUROPEA,  
Visto el Tratado constitutivo de la Comunidad Eur opea y, en particular, el inciso i) de la letra 
b) del apartado 2 de su artículo 62, la primer a frase del párrafo primero del apartado 2 y el 
párrafo primero del apartado 3 de su artículo 300,  
Vista la propuest a de la Comisión6,  
Visto el dictamen del Parlamento Europeo7,  
Considerando lo siguiente: (1) La Comunidad Europea actúa en favor de la creación de un espacio de libertad, 
seguridad y justicia basado, entre otras cosa s, en una política común en materia de 
visados.  
(2) El Convenio n° 185 de la Organización In ternacional del Trabajo (denominada en lo 
sucesivo la OIT) sobre los documentos de id entidad de la gente de mar (revisado) se 
aprobó el 19 de junio de 2003 en el marco de la Conferencia General de la OIT, 
convocada en Ginebra por el Consejo de Ad ministración de la Oficina Internacional 
del Trabajo.  
(3) El Convenio citado aporta una valiosa contri bución a la mejora de la seguridad en el 
sector marítimo a nivel internacional y al fomento de unas condiciones de vida y trabajo adecuadas para la gente de mar.  Por lo tanto, es conveniente que sus 
disposiciones se apliquen a la mayor brevedad.  
(4) Ahora bien, algunos artículos del Conveni o entran en el ámbito de competencia 
comunitaria en materia de visados.  
(5) La Comunidad no puede ratificar este Conve nio, que sólo puede ser ratificado por los 
Estados miembros que son partes del mismo.  
                                                
 
6 DO C [… ] , [… ] , p. […]. 
7 DO C [… ], [… ], p [… ]  
 
ES 7   ES (6) En consecuencia, el Consejo debería auto rizar a los Estados miembros sujetos a las 
normas comunitarias en materia de visados basa das en el inciso i) de la letra b) del 
apartado 2 del artículo 62 del Tratado, a ra tificar el Convenio en interés de la 
Comunidad, en las condiciones prev istas en la presente Decisión.  
(7) Con arreglo al artículo 1 del Protocolo sobre la posici ón del Reino Unido e Irlanda, 
adjunto al Tratado de la Unión Europea y al Tratado constitutivo de la Comunidad 
Europea, Irlanda y el Reino Unido no inte rvienen en la adopción de la presente 
Decisión. En consecuencia, y sin perjuicio de lo dispuesto en el artículo 4 del 
Protocolo anteriormente citado, la presente Decisión no se aplica a Irlanda ni al Reino 
Unido.  
(8) De conformidad con lo dis puesto en el artículo 4 del Pr otocolo sobre la posición de 
Dinamarca, adjunto al Tratado de la Uni ón Europea y al Tratado constitutivo de la 
Comunidad Europea, Dinamarca es des tinataria de la presente Decisión.  
HA ADOPTADO LA PRESENTE DECISIÓN:  
Artículo 1 
Los Estados miembros estarán autorizados para ratificar el Convenio sobre los documentos de 
identidad de la gente de mar, adoptado el 19 de junio de 2003.  
El texto del Convenio figura adju nto a la presente Decisión.  
Artículo 2  
1. Los Estados miembros adoptarán las medidas necesarias para depositar 
simultáneamente los instrumentos de ra tificación del Convenio adjunto ante el 
Director General de la Oficina Internacional  de Trabajo antes del 1 de diciembre de 
2005.  
2. Los Estados miembros procederán a un in tercambio de información con la Comisión 
en el seno del Consejo, antes de 1 de junio 2005, sobre la fecha en la qu e prevén que 
concluirán los procedimientos parlamenta rios necesarios para la ratificación o la 
adhesión. En función de esta información, se  fijarán la fecha y las modalidades de 
depósito simultáneo.  
Artículo 3  
De conformidad con el Tratado constitutivo de la  Comunidad Europea, los destinatarios de la 
presente Decisión serán los Estados miembros. 
Hecho en Bruselas, el [… ]  
 Por el Consejo  
 El Presidente   [… ] 
 
ES 8   ES ANNEX  
 
C185 Seafarers' Identity Docume nts Convention (Revised), 2003  
Convention revising the Seaf arers'Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (Note: This 
Convention has not yet come into force: ) Convention:C185 Place:Geneva Session of the Conference:91 Date of adoption:19:06:2003 Subject classification: Seafarers Subject: Seafarers Status: Up-to-date instrument This Conventi on was adopted after 1985 and is considered up 
to date.  
The General Conference of the Inte rnational Labour Organization,  
Having been convened at Geneva by the Govern ing Body of the Interna tional Labour Office, 
and having met in its Ninety -first Session on 3 June 2003, and Mindful of the continuing 
threat to the security of passengers and crews an d the safety of ships, to the national interest 
of States and to individuals, and  
Mindful also of the core mandate of the Orga nization, which is to promote decent conditions 
of work, and  
Considering that, given the global nature of the shipping industry, seafarers need special 
protection, and  
Recognizing the principles embodied in the S eafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958, 
concerning the facilitation of entry by seafarers into the territory of Members, for the 
purposes of shore leave, transit,  transfer or repatriation, and  
Noting the Convention on the F acilitation of Internationa l Maritime Traffic, 1965, as 
amended, of the International Maritime Orga nization, in particular, Standards 3.44 and 3.45, 
and  
Noting further that United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/57/219 (Protection 
of human rights and fundamental freedoms while  countering terrorism) affirms that States 
must ensure that any measure taken to combat  terrorism complies with their obligations under 
international law, in particular international hum an rights, refugee and humanitarian law, and  
Being aware that seafarers work  and live on ships i nvolved in international trade and that 
access to shore facilities and shore leave are vita l elements of seafarers' general well-being 
and, therefore, to the achievement of sa fer shipping and cleaner oceans, and  
Being aware also that the ability to go ashore is essential for joining a ship and leaving after 
the agreed period of service, and  
Noting the amendments to the International Conv ention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as 
amended, concerning special measures to enhan ce maritime safety and security, that were 
adopted by the International Maritime Organi zation Diplomatic Conference on 12 December 
2002, and  
 
ES 9   ES Having decided upon the adoption of certain propos als with regard to the improved security 
of seafarers' identification, which is the se venth item on the agenda of the session, and  
Having decided that these proposals shall take  the form of an international Convention 
revising the Seafarers' Identi ty Documents Convention, 1958,  
adopts this nineteenth day of  June of the year two thousand and three, the following 
Convention, which may be cited as the Seafar ers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 
2003.  
Article 1  
SCOPE  
1. For the purposes of this Convention, the te rm seafarer means any person who is employed 
or is engaged or works in any capacity on board a vessel, other than a ship of war, ordinarily 
engaged in maritime navigation.  
2. In the event of any doubt whethe r any categories of persons are to be regarded as seafarers 
for the purpose of this Convention, the questio n shall be determined in accordance with the 
provisions of this Convention by the competent authority of the State of nationality or 
permanent residence of such persons after consulting with the shipowners' and seafarers' 
organizations concerned.  
3. After consulting the representative organiza tions of fishing-vessel owners and persons 
working on board fishing vessels , the competent authority may apply the provisions of this 
Convention to commercial maritime fishing.  
Article 2  
ISSUANCE OF SEAFARERS'  IDENTITY DOCUMENTS  
1. Each Member for which this Convention is in force shall issue to each  of its nationals who 
is a seafarer and makes an application to that effect a seafarers' identity document conforming 
to the provisions of Article  3 of this Convention.  
2. Unless otherwise provided for in this Conv ention, the issuance of seafarers' identity 
documents may be subject to the same conditions as those prescribed by national laws and 
regulations for the issuan ce of travel documents.  
3. Each Member may also issue seafarers' identity documents referred to in paragraph 1 to 
seafarers who have been granted the status of permanent resident in its territory. Permanent 
residents shall in all cases travel in conformity  with the provisions of Article 6, paragraph 7.  
4. Each Member shall ensure th at seafarers' identity docum ents are issued without undue 
delay.  
5. Seafarers shall have the right to an administra tive appeal in the case of a rejection of their 
application.  
6. This Convention shall be without prejudice  to the obligations of each Member under 
international arrangements relating to  refugees and stateless persons.  
Article 3  
 
ES 10   ES CONTENT AND FORM  
1. The seafarers' identity documen t covered by this Convention sh all conform - in its content - 
to the model set out in Annex I hereto. The form  of the document and the materials used in it 
shall be consistent with the general specificatio ns set out in the model, which shall be based 
on the criteria set out below. Provided that a ny amendment is consistent with the following 
paragraphs, Annex I may, where necessary, be amended in accordance with Article 8 below, 
in particular to take account of technologi cal developments. The decision to adopt the 
amendment shall specify when the amendment will enter into effect, taking account of the 
need to give Members sufficient time to make any necessary revisions of their national 
seafarers' identity documents and procedures.  
2. The seafarers' identity document shall be desi gned in a simple manner, be made of durable 
material, with special regard to conditions at sea and be machine-readable. The materials used 
shall:  
(a) prevent tampering with the document or fals ification, as far as possible, and enable easy 
detection of alterations; and  
(b) be generally accessible to governments at the lowest cost consis tent with reliably 
achieving the purpose set out in (a) above.  
3. Members shall take into account any availa ble guidelines developed by the International 
Labour Organization on standards of  the technology to be used wh ich will facilitate the use of 
a common international standard.  
4. The seafarers' identity document shall be no la rger than a normal passport. 5. The seafarers' 
identity document shall contai n the name of the issuing aut hority, indications enabling rapid 
contact with that authority, th e date and place of issue of the document, and the following 
statements:  
(a) this document is a seafarers' identity document for the purpose of the Seafarers' Identity 
Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, of th e International Labour Organization; and  
(b) this document is a stand-alone document and not a passport.  
6. The maximum validity of a seafarers' identity  document shall be determined in accordance 
with the laws and regulations of the issuing State and shall in no case exceed ten years, 
subject to renewal after the first five years.  
7. Particulars about the holder included in the s eafarer's identity document shall be restricted 
to the following:  
(a) full name (first and last names where applicable);  
(b) sex;  (c) date and place of birth;  
(d) nationality;  
(e) any special physical characteristic s that may assist identification;  
(f) digital or original photograph; and  
 
ES 11   ES (g) signature.  
8. Notwithstanding paragraph 7 above, a template or  other representation of a biometric of the 
holder which meets the specificat ion provided for in Annex I shall also be required for 
inclusion in the seafarers' identity document,  provided that the following preconditions are 
satisfied:  
(a) the biometric can be capture d without any invasion of priv acy of the persons concerned, 
discomfort to them, risk to their health or offence against their dignity;  
(b) the biometric shall itself be visible on th e document and it shall not be possible to 
reconstitute it from the templa te or other representation;  
(c) the equipment needed for the provision and verification of the biom etric is user-friendly 
and is generally accessible to governments at low cost;  
(d) the equipment for the verification of the biometric can be conveniently and reliably 
operated in ports and in other places, including on  board ship, where verification of identity is 
normally carried out by the competent authorities; and  
(e) the system in which the biometric is to be used (including the equipment, technologies and 
procedures for use) provides results that are uniform and reliable for the authentication of 
identity.  
9. All data concerning the seafarer that are recorded on the documen t shall be visible. 
Seafarers shall have convenien t access to machines enabling them to inspect any data 
concerning them that is not eye-readable. Such access shall be provided by or on behalf of the 
issuing authority.  
10. The content and form of the seafarers' id entity document shall take into account the 
relevant international sta ndards cited in Annex I.  
Article 4  
NATIONAL ELECTRONIC DATABASE  
1. Each Member shall ensure that a record of each seafarers' identity document issued, 
suspended or withdrawn by it is stored in an  electronic database. The necessary measures 
shall be taken to secure the database fr om interference or unauthorized access.  
2. The information contained in th e record shall be restricted to details which are essential for 
the purposes of verifying a seafarers' identity document or the status of a seafarer and which 
are consistent with the seafarer's right to privacy and which meet all applicable data protection requirements. The details are set out in A nnex II hereto, which may be amended in the 
manner provided for in Article 8 below, ta king account of the need to give Members 
sufficient time to make any necessary revisi ons of their national database systems.  
3. Each Member shall put in place procedures wh ich will enable any seafarer to whom it has 
issued a seafarers' identity document to examine a nd check the validity of all the data held or 
stored in the electronic database which relate to that individual and to provide for correction if 
necessary, at no cost to the seafarer concerned.  
4. Each Member shall designate a permanent focal  point for responding to  inquiries, from the 
immigration or other competen t authorities of all Members of the Organization, concerning 
 
ES 12   ES the authenticity and validity of the seafarers' identity document issued by its authority. Details 
of the permanent focal point sh all be communicated to the In ternational Labour Office, and 
the Office shall maintain a list which sha ll be communicated to all Members of the 
Organization.  
5. The details referred to in paragraph 2 above sh all at all times be immediately accessible to 
the immigration or other competent authorities in member States of the Organization, either 
electronically or through the focal poin t referred to in paragraph 4 above.  
6. For the purposes of this Convention, appropriat e restrictions shall be established to ensure 
that no data - in particular, photographs - are exchanged, unle ss a mechanism is in place to 
ensure that applicable data protection and privacy standards are adhered to.  
7. Members shall ensure that the personal data on  the electronic database shall not be used for 
any purpose other than verification of the seafarers' identity document.  
Article 5  
QUALITY CONTROL AND EVALUATIONS  
1. Minimum requirements concerning processes an d procedures for the issue of seafarers' 
identity documents, including quality-control pr ocedures, are set out in Annex III to this 
Convention. These minimum requirements establis h mandatory results that must be achieved 
by each Member in the administration of its sy stem for issuance of seafarers' identity 
documents.  
2. Processes and procedures shall be in plac e to ensure the necessary security for:  
(a) the production and delivery of blank seafarers' identity documents;  
(b) the custody, handling and accountability for blank and completed seafarers' identity 
documents;  
(c) the processing of applications, the completion of the blank seafarers' identity documents 
into personalized seafarers' identity docum ents by the authority and unit responsible for 
issuing them and the delivery of the seafarers' identity documents;  
(d) the operation and maintena nce of the database; and  
(e) the quality control of proce dures and periodic  evaluations.  
3. Subject to paragraph 2 above, Annex III may be amended in the manner provided for in 
Article 8, taking account of the need to give Me mbers sufficient time to make any necessary 
revisions to their proc esses and procedures.  
4. Each Member shall carry out an independent evaluation of the administration of its system 
for issuing seafarers' identity documents, includ ing quality-control procedures, at least every 
five years. Reports on such evaluations, subjec t to the removal of any confidential material, 
shall be provided to the Direct or-General of th e International Labour Offi ce with a copy to the 
representative organizations of  shipowners and s eafarers in the Member concerned. This 
reporting requirement shall be w ithout prejudice to the obligati ons of Members under article 
22 of the Constitution of the Inte rnational Labour Organisation.  
 
ES 13   ES 5. The International Labour Office shall make th ese evaluation reports available to Members. 
Any disclosure, other than those authorized by this Convention, shall re quire the consent of 
the reporting Member.  
6. The Governing Body of the International Labour Office, ac ting on the basis of all relevant 
information in accordance with arrangements made by it, shall approve a list of Members 
which fully meet the minimum requirement s referred to in paragraph 1 above.  
7. The list must be available to  Members of the Organization at  all times and be updated as 
appropriate information is received. In partic ular, Members shall be promptly notified where 
the inclusion of any Member on the list is contested on solid gr ounds in the framework of the 
procedures referred to in paragraph 8.  
8. In accordance with procedures established by  the Governing Body, provision shall be made 
for Members which have been or may be excl uded from the list, as well as interested 
governments of ratifying Members and repres entative shipowners' and seafarers' 
organizations, to make their views known to the Governing Body, in accordance with the 
arrangements referred to above and to have any disagreements fairly and impartially settled in 
a timely manner.  
9. The recognition of seafarers' identity documen ts issued by a Member is subject to its 
compliance with the minimum requirements referred to in paragraph 1 above.  
Article 6  
FACILITATION OF SHORE LEA VE AND TRANSIT AND TRANSFER OF SEAFARERS  
1. Any seafarer who holds a valid seafarers' identity document issued in accordance with the 
provisions of this Convention by a Member for which the Convention is in force shall be 
recognized as a seafarer within the meaning of the Convention unless clear grounds exist for 
doubting the authenticity of the s eafarers' identity document.  
2. The verification and any related inquiries and fo rmalities needed to ensure that the seafarer 
for whom entry is requested pursuant to paragraphs  3 to 6 or 7 to 9 below is the holder of a 
seafarers' identity document issued in accord ance with the requirements of this Convention 
shall be at no cost to th e seafarers or shipowners.  
Shore leave  
3. Verification and any related i nquiries and formalities referred to in paragraph 2 above shall 
be carried out in the shortest possible time provided that reasonable advance notice of the 
holder's arrival was received by the competent authorities. The notice of  the holder's arrival 
shall include the details specified  in section 1 of Annex II.  
4. Each Member for which this Convention is in force shall, in the shortest possible time, and 
unless clear grounds exist for doubting the authen ticity of the seafarer s' identity document, 
permit the entry into its territory of a seafarer holding a valid seafarer's identity document, 
when entry is requested for temporary s hore leave while the ship is in port.  
5. Such entry shall be allowed provided that the formalities on arrival of the ship have been 
fulfilled and the competent authorities have no reason to refuse permission to come ashore on 
grounds of public health, public safety, public order or national security.  
 
ES 14   ES 6. For the purpose of shore leave seafarers shall not be required to hold a visa. Any Member 
which is not in a position to fully implement this requirement shall ensure that its laws and 
regulations or practice provide arrangemen ts that are substantially equivalent.  
Transit and transfer  
7. Each Member for which this Convention is in force shall, in the shortest possible time, also 
permit the entry into its territory of seafarer s holding a valid seafarers' identity document 
supplemented by a passport, when entry is requested for the purpose of:  
(a) joining their ship or tr ansferring to another ship;  
(b) passing in transit to join their ship in another country or  for repatriation; or any other 
purpose approved by the authorities  of the Member concerned.  
8. Such entry shall be allowed unless clear gr ounds exist for doubting th e authenticity of the 
seafarers' identity document, provided that the competent authorities have no reason to refuse 
entry on grounds of public health, public sa fety, public order or national security.  
9. Any Member may, before permitting entry into its territory for one of the purposes 
specified in paragraph 7 above, require sa tisfactory evidence, including documentary 
evidence of a seafarer's intention and ability to  carry out that intention. The Member may also 
limit the seafarer's stay to a period consider ed reasonable for the purpose in question.  
Article 7  
CONTINUOUS POSSESSION AND WITHDRAWAL  
1. The seafarers' identity document shall remain in the seafarer's possession at all times, 
except when it is held for safekeeping by the mast er of the ship concerned, with the seafarer's 
written consent.  
2. The seafarers' identity document shall be pr omptly withdrawn by the issuing State if it is 
ascertained that the seafarer no longer meets the conditions for its issue under this 
Convention. Procedures for suspending or withdr awing seafarers' identi ty documents shall be 
drawn up in consultation with th e representative shipowners' a nd seafarers' organizations and 
shall include procedures fo r administrative appeal.  
Article 8  
AMENDMENT OF THE ANNEXES  1. Subject to the relevant  provisions of this Convention, amendments to the Annexes may be 
made by the International Labour Conference,  acting on the advice of a duly constituted 
tripartite maritime body of the International Labour Organizati on. The decision shall require a 
majority of two-thirds of the votes cast by th e delegates present at the Conference, including 
at least half the Members that have ratified this Convention.  
2. Any Member that has ratified this Conventi on may give written no tice to the Director-
General within six months of the date of the adoption of such an amendment that it shall not 
enter into force for that Member , or shall only enter into force at a later date upon subsequent 
written notification.  
Article 9  
 
ES 15   ES TRANSITIONAL PROVISION  
Any Member which is a party to the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958, and 
which is taking measures, in accordance with article 19 of the Constitution of the International Labour Organisation, with a view to ratification of this Convention may notify 
the Director-General of its intention to apply the present Convention provisionally. A 
seafarers' identity document issued by such a Memb er shall be treated for the purposes of this 
Convention as a seafarers' identity document i ssued under it provided that the requirements of 
Articles 2 to 5 of this Convention are fulf illed and that the Member concerned accepts 
seafarers' identity documents issued under this Convention.  
FINAL PROVISIONS  
Article 10  
This Convention revises the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958.  Article 11  
The formal ratifications of this Convention shal l be communicated to th e Director-General of 
the International Labour Office for registration.  
Article 12  
1. This Convention shall be binding only upon those Members of the International Labour 
Organization whose ratifications have been registered with the Director-General.  
2. It shall come into force six months after the date on which the ratifications of two Members 
have been registered with  the Director-General.  
3. Thereafter, this Convention shall come into fo rce for any Member six months after the date 
on which its ratification has been registered.  
Article 13  
1. A Member which has ratified this Conven tion may denounce it after the expiration of ten 
years from the date on which the Convention fi rst comes into force, by an act communicated 
to the Director-General for registration. Such denunciation shall take e ffect twelve months 
after the date on which it is registered.  
2. Each Member which has ratified this Conve ntion and which does not, within the year 
following the expiration of th e period of ten years mentione d in the preceding paragraph, 
exercise the right of denuncia tion provided for in this Artic le, shall be bound for another 
period of ten years and, thereafter, may denoun ce this Convention at the expiration of each 
period of ten years under the terms provided for in this Article.  
Article 14  
1. The Director-General shall notify all Member s of the registration of all ratifications, 
declarations and acts of denunciati on communicated by the Members.  
2. When notifying the Members of the registration of the second ratification of this 
Convention, the Director-General  shall draw the attention of  the Members to the date upon 
which the Convention shall come into force.  
 
ES 16   ES 3. The Director-General shall notify all Members of the registration of any amendments made 
to the Annexes in accordance with Article 8, as  well as of notificati ons relating thereto.  
Article 15  
The Director-General of the International La bour Office shall communicate to the Secretary-
General of the United Nations, for registration in  accordance with article 102 of the Charter of 
the United Nations, full particulars of all ratific ations, declarations a nd acts of denunciation 
registered by the Director-General in a ccordance with the provisions of the preceding 
Articles.  
Article 16  
At such times as it may consider necessary, the Governing Body of the International Labour 
Office shall present to the General Conference a report on the working of  this Convention and 
shall examine the desirability of placing on th e agenda of the Confer ence the question of its 
revision in whole or in pa rt, taking account also of th e provisions of Article 8.  
Article 17  
1. Should the Conference adopt a new Convention revising this Convention in whole or in 
part, then, unless the new Conve ntion otherwise provides:  
(a) the ratification by a Member of the new revising Convention shall ipso jure involve the 
immediate denunciation of this Convention, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 13, if 
and when the new revising Convention shall have come into force;  
(b) as from the date when the new revising Convention comes into force, this Convention 
shall cease to be open to ratification by the Members.  
2. This Convention shall in any case remain in force in its actual form  and content for those 
Members which have ratified it but have  not ratified the revising Convention.  
Article 18  
The English and French versions of the text of this Convention are equally authoritative.  
ANNEX  
Annex I  
Model for seafarers' identity document  
The seafarers' identity document, whose form and content are set out below, shall consist of 
good-quality materials which, as fa r as practicable, having regard  to considerations such as 
cost, are not easily accessible to  the general public. The document shall have no more space 
than is necessary to contain the information provided for by the Convention.  
It shall contain the name of the issu ing State and the following statement:  
"This document is a seafarers' identity document for the purpose of the Seafarers' Identity 
Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, of th e International Labour Organization. This 
document is a stand-alone document and not a passport."  
 
ES 17   ES The data page(s) of the document indicated in bold below shall be protected by a laminate or 
overlay, or by applying an imaging technology and substrate material that provide an 
equivalent resistance to substitution of the portrait and other biographical data.  
The materials used, dimensions and placement of data shall conform to the International Civil 
Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications as contained in Document 9303 Part 3 (2nd 
edition, 2002) or Document 9303 Part 1 (5th edition, 2003).  
Other security features shall include at  least one of the following features:  
Watermarks, ultraviolet security features, us e of special inks, special colour designs, 
perforated images, holograms, laser engravi ng, micro-printing, and heat-sealed lamination.  
Data to be entered on the data page(s) of the seaf arers' identity document shall be restricted to:  
I. Issuing authority:  
II. Telephone number(s), email and web site of the authority:  
III. Date and place of issue:  ------ Digital or original photogr aph of seafar er ---------  
(a) Full name of seafarer:  
(b) Sex:  (c) Date and place of birth:  
(d) Nationality:  
(e) Any special physical charac teristics of seafarer that may assist identification:  
(f) Signature:  
(g) Date of expiry:  
(h) Type or designation of document:  (i) Unique document number:  
(j) Personal identificatio n number (optional):  
(k) Biometric template based on a fingerprint pr inted as numbers in a bar code conforming to 
a standard to be developed:  
(l) A machine-readable zone conforming to IC AO specifications in Do cument 9303 specified 
above.  
IV. Official seal or stamp of the issuing authority.  
Explanation of data  
The captions on fields on the data page(s) above may be translated into the language(s) of the 
issuing State. If the na tional language is other th an English, French or Spanish, the captions 
shall also be entered in one of these languages.  
 
ES 18   ES The Roman alphabet should be used fo r all entries in this document.  
The information listed above shall ha ve the following characteristics:  
I. Issuing authority: ISO code for the issuing State and the name  and full address of the office 
issuing the seafarers' identity document as well as the name and position of the person 
authorizing the issue.  
II. The telephone number, email and web site sh all correspond to the links to the focal point 
referred to in the Convention.  
III. Date and place of issue: the date shall be wr itten in two-digit Arabic  numerals in the form 
day/month/year - e.g. 31/12/03; the place shall be  written in the same way as on the national 
passport.  
-------- Size of the portr ait photograph: as in ICAO Docume nt 9303 specified above -------  
(a) Full name of seafarer: where applicable, fam ily name shall be written first, followed by the 
seafarer's other names;  
(b) Sex: specify "M" for male or "F" for female;  
(c) Date and place of birth: the date shall be wr itten in two-digit Arabic numerals in the form 
day/month/year; the place shall be written in the same way as on the national passport;  
(d) Statement of nationality: specify nationality;  
(e) Special physical characteristics: any eviden t characteristics assisting identification;  
(f) Signature of seafarer;  
(g) Date of expiry: in tw o-digit Arabic numerals in the form day/month/year;  
(h) Type or designation of docum ent: character code for document type, written in capitals in 
the Roman alphabet (S);  
(i) Unique document number: country code (s ee I above) followed by an alphanumeric book 
inventory number of no more  than nine characters;  
(j) Personal identification number: optional pers onal identification number of the seafarer; 
identification number of no more than 14 alphanumeric characters;  
(k) Biometric template: precise sp ecification to be developed;  
(l) Machine-readable zone: according to ICAO Document 9303 specified above. <  
Annex II  Electronic database  
The details to be provided for each record in th e electronic database to be maintained by each 
Member in accordance with Article 4, paragraphs  1, 2, 6 and 7 of this Convention shall be 
restricted to:  
Section 1  
 
ES 19   ES 1. Issuing authority named on the identity document.  
2. Full name of seafarer as writ ten on the identity document.  
3. Unique document number of the identity document.  4. Date of expiry or suspension or w ithdrawal of the identity document.  
Section 2  
5. Biometric template appearing on the identity document.  6. Photograph.  
7. Details of all inquiries made concerni ng the seafarers' identity document.  
Annex III  
Requirements and recommended procedures and practices concerning the issuance of 
seafarers' identity documents  
This Annex sets out minimum requirements re lating to procedures to be adopted by each 
Member in accordance with Article  5 of this Convention, with respect to the issuance of 
seafarers' identity documents (referred to below as "SIDs"), including quality-control 
procedures.  
Part A lists the mandatory results that must be achieved, as a minimum, by each Member, in 
implementing a system of issuance of SIDs.  
Part B recommends procedures a nd practices for achieving those re sults. Part B is to be given 
full consideration by Members, but is not mandatory.  
Part A.Mandatory results  
1. Production and delivery of blank SIDs  
Processes and procedures are in place to ensure  the necessary security for the production and 
delivery of blank SIDs, including the following:  
(a) all blank SIDs are of uniform quality and m eet the specifications in  content and form as 
contained in Annex I;  
(b) the materials used for production  are protected and controlled;  
(c) blank SIDs are protected, controlled, iden tified and tracked during the production and 
delivery processes;  
(d) producers have the means of properly mee ting their obligations in relation to the 
production and delivery of blank SIDs;  
(e) the transport of the blank SIDs from the pr oducer to the issuing authority is secure.  
2. Custody, handling and accountability for blank and completed SIDs  Processes and procedures are in place to ensu re the necessary security for the custody, 
handling and accountability for blank and co mpleted SIDs, including the following:  
 
ES 20   ES (a) the custody and handling of blank and completed SIDs is controlled by the issuing 
authority;  
(b) blank, completed and voided SIDs, including  those used as specimens, are protected, 
controlled, identified and tracked;  
(c) personnel involved with the process meet standards of  reliability, trustworthiness and 
loyalty required by their positions and have appropriate training;  
(d) the division of responsibil ities among authorized official s is designed to prevent the 
issuance of unauthorized SIDs.  
3. Processing of applications; suspension or withdrawal of SIDs; appeal procedures  
Processes and procedures are in place to ensure  the necessary security for the processing of 
applications, the completion of the blank SIDs into personalized SIDs by the authority and 
unit responsible for issuing them, and th e delivery of the SIDs, including:  
(a) processes for verification and approval ensu ring that SIDs, when first applied for and 
when renewed, are issued only on the basis of:  
(i) applications completed with al l information required by Annex I,  
(ii) proof of identity of the applicant in accordance with the law and practice of the issuing 
State,  
(iii) proof of nationality or permanent residence,  
(iv) proof that the applicant is a seaf arer within the meaning of Article 1,  
(v) assurance that applicants, especially those with more than one nationality or having the 
status of permanent residents, are no t issued with more than one SID,  
(vi) verification that the applican t does not constitute a risk to security, with proper respect for 
the fundamental rights and freedoms set out in international instruments.  
(b) the processes ensure that:  
(i) the particulars of each item contained in Annex II are entered in the database 
simultaneously with i ssuance of the SID,  
(ii) the data, photograph, signature and biomet ric gathered from the applicant correspond to 
the applicant, and  
(iii) the data, photograph, signature and biometri c gathered from the a pplicant are linked to 
the application throughout the processing, issuance and delivery of the SID.  
(c) prompt action is taken to update the data base when an issued SID is suspended or 
withdrawn;  
(d) an extension and/or renewal system has b een established to provide for circumstances 
where a seafarer is in need of extension or renewal of his or her SID and in circumstances 
where the SID is lost;  
 
ES 21   ES (e) the circumstances in which SIDs may be suspended or withdrawn are established in 
consultation with shipowners' and seafarers' organizations;  
(f) effective and transparent appe al procedures are in place.  
4. Operation, security and ma intenance of the database  
Processes and procedures are in  place to ensure the necessary  security for the operation and 
maintenance of the database, including the following:  
(a) the database is secure from ta mpering and from unauthorized access;  
(b) data are current, protected against loss of in formation and available for query at all times 
through the focal point;  
(c) databases are not appended, copied, linked or written to other databases; information from 
the database is not used for purposes other th an authenticating the s eafarers' identity;  
(d) the individual's rights are respected, including:  
(i) the right to privacy  in the collection, storage, handl ing and communication of personal 
data; and  
(ii) the right of access to data concerning him or her and to have any inaccuracies corrected in 
a timely manner.  
5. Quality control of procedures and periodic evaluations  
(a) Processes and procedures are in place to en sure the necessary security through the quality 
control of procedures and periodic evaluations , including the monitoring of processes, to 
ensure that required performan ce standards are met, for:  
(i) production and delivery of blank SIDs,  
(ii) custody, handling and accountability fo r blank, voided and personalized SIDs,  
(iii) processing of applications, completion of  blank SIDs into personalized SIDs by the 
authority and unit responsible for issuance and delivery,  
(iv) operation, securi ty and maintenance of the database.  
(b) Periodic reviews are carried ou t to ensure the reliability of the issuance system and of the 
procedures and their conformity with th e requirements of this Convention.  
(c) Procedures are in place to protect the confidentiality of information contained in reports on 
periodic evaluations provided  by other ratifying Members.  
Part B. Recommended pro cedures and practices  
1. Production and delivery of blank SIDs  
1.1. In the interest of security and uniformity of SIDs, the competent authority should select 
an effective source for the pr oduction of blank SIDs to be issued by the Member.  
1.2. If the blanks are to be produced on the pr emises of the authority responsible for the 
issuance of SIDs ("the issuing auth ority"), section 2.2 below applies.  
 
ES 22   ES 1.3. If an outside enterprise is select ed, the competent authority should:  
1.3.1. check that the enterprise is of undisputed integrity, financial stability and reliability;  
1.3.2. require the enterprise to designate all the employees who will be engaged in the 
production of blank SIDs;  
1.3.3. require the enterprise to furnish the authorit y with proof that demonstrates that there are 
adequate systems in place to ensure the reliability, trustworth iness and loyalty  of designated 
employees and to satisfy the authority that it  provides each such employee with adequate 
means of subsistence and adequate job security;  
1.3.4. conclude a written agreement with the en terprise which, without prejudice to the 
authority's own responsibility for SIDs, should, in  particular, establish the specifications and 
directions referred to un der section 1.5 below and require the enterprise:  
1.3.4.1. to ensure that only the designated em ployees, who must have assumed strict 
obligations of confidential ity, are engaged in the produc tion of the blank SIDs;  
1.3.4.2. to take all necessary security measures fo r the transport of the blank SIDs from its 
premises to the premises of the issuing authorit y. Issuing agents cannot be absolved from the 
liability on the grounds that they ar e not negligent in  this regard;  
1.3.4.3. to accompany each consignment with a pr ecise statement of its contents; this 
statement should, in particular, specify the refere nce numbers of the SIDs in each package.  
1.3.5. ensure that the agreement includes a provis ion to allow for comple tion if the original 
contractor is unabl e to continue;  
1.3.6. satisfy itself, before signing the agreement, that the enterp rise has the means of properly 
performing all the above obligations.  
1.4. If the blank SIDs are to be supplied by an authority or enterprise  outside the Member's 
territory, the competent authority of the Member  may mandate an approp riate authority in the 
foreign country to ensure that the requirem ents recommended in this section are met.  
1.5. The competent authority  should inter alia:  
1.5.1. establish detailed specificatio ns for all materials to be used in the production of the 
blank SIDs; these materials should conform to th e general specifications set out in Annex I to 
this Convention;  
1.5.2. establish precise specifications  relating to the form and content of the blank SIDs as set 
out in Annex I;  
1.5.3. ensure that the specifications  enable uniformity in the prin ting of blank SIDs if different 
printers are subsequently used;  
1.5.4. provide clear directions for the generation  of a unique document number to be printed 
on each blank SID in a sequential manner in accordance with Annex I; and  
1.5.5. establish precise specifica tions governing the custody of  all materials during the 
production process.  
2. Custody, handling and accountability for blank and completed SIDs  
 
ES 23   ES 2.1. All operations relating to the issuance proc ess (including the custody of blank, voided 
and completed SIDs, the implements and materials for completing them, the processing of 
applications, the issuance of SIDs, the maintena nce and the security of databases) should be 
carried out under the direct cont rol of the issuing authority.  
2.2. The issuing authority should prepare an apprai sal of all officials in volved in the issuance 
process establishing, in the case of each of them, a record of reliability, trustworthiness and 
loyalty.  
2.3. The issuing authority should ensure that no o fficials involved in th e issuance process are 
members of the same immediate family.  
2.4. The individual responsibilities of the officials involved in th e issuance process should be 
adequately defined by the issuing authority.  
2.5. No single official should be responsible for carrying out all the opera tions required in the 
processing of an application for a SID and the preparation of the corresponding SID. The 
official who assigns applications  to an official responsible for issuing SIDs should not be 
involved in the issuance process.  There should be a rotation in the officials a ssigned to the 
different duties related to th e processing of applications and the issuance of SIDs.  
2.6. The issuing authority should draw up internal rules ensuring:  
2.6.1. that the blank SIDs are kept secured and rele ased only to the extent necessary to meet 
expected day-to-day oper ations and only to the officials re sponsible for completing them into 
personalized SIDs or to any sp ecially authorized official, a nd that surplus blank SIDs are 
returned at the end of each day; measures to  secure SIDs should be understood as including 
the use of devices for the prevention of una uthorized access and dete ction of intruders;  
2.6.2. that any blank SIDs used as specimens are defaced and marked as such;  
2.6.3. that each day a record, to be stored in a safe place, is maintained  of the whereabouts of 
each blank SID and of each personalized SID that  has not yet been issued, also identifying 
those that are secured and those that are in the possession of a specified o fficial or officials; 
the record should be maintained by an offici al who is not involved in the handling of the 
blank SIDs or SIDs that ha ve not yet been issued;  
2.6.4. that no person should have access to the blank SIDs and to the implements and 
materials for completing them other than the officials responsible for completing the blank 
SIDs or any specially authorized official;  
2.6.5. that each personalized SID is  kept secured and released only to the official responsible 
for issuing the SID or to any specially authorized official;  
2.6.5.1. the specially authorized o fficials should be limited to:  
(a) persons acting under the written authorization of the executive head of the au thority or of 
any person officially represen ting the executive head, and  
(b) the controller referred to in section 5 below and persons appointed to carry out an audit or 
other control;  
2.6.6. that officials are strictly prohibited from any involvement in the issuance process for a 
SID applied for by a member of their family or a close friend;  
 
ES 24   ES 2.6.7. that any theft or attempted th eft of SIDs or of implements or materials for personalizing 
them should be promptly reported to th e police authorities for investigation.  
2.7. Errors in the issuance pro cess should invalidate the SID concerned, which may not be 
corrected and issued.  
3. Processing of applications; suspension or withdrawal of SIDs; appeal procedures  
3.1. The issuing authority should en sure that all officials with  responsibility concerning the 
review of applications for SIDs have received relevant training in fraud detection and in the 
use of computer technology.  
3.2. The issuing authority should draw up rules en suring that SIDs are issued only on the basis 
of: an application completed and signed by the s eafarer concerned; proof of identity; proof of 
nationality or permanent resi dence; and proof that the applicant is a seafarer.  
3.3. The application should contain all the information specified as mandatory in Annex I to 
this Convention. The application form should re quire applicants to note that they will be 
liable to prosecution and penal sanctions if they  make any statement that they know to be 
false.  
3.4. When a SID is first applied for, and whenev er subsequently considered necessary on the 
occasion of a renewal:  
3.4.1. the application, completed except for th e signature, should be presented by the 
applicant in person, to an official designated by the issuing authority;  
3.4.2. a digital or original photograph and the biom etric of the applicant should be taken under 
the control of the designated official;  
3.4.3. the application should be signed in the presence of the designated official;  
3.4.4. the application should then be transmitted by the designated official directly to the 
issuing authority for processing.  
3.5. Adequate measures should be adopted by the i ssuing authority to ensu re the security and 
the confidentiality of the digital or or iginal photograph and the biometric.  
3.6. The proof of identity provided by the applic ant should be in accordance with the laws and 
practice of the issuing State. It may consist of  a recent photograph of the applicant, certified 
as being a true likeness of him or her by the shipowner or shipma ster or other employer of the 
applicant or the director  of the applicant's training establishment.  
3.7. The proof of nationality or permanent reside nce will normally consist of the applicant's 
passport or certificate of admi ssion as a permanent resident.  
3.8. Applicants should be asked to declare all other nationalities that  they may possess and 
affirm that they have not been issued with and have not applied fo r a SID from any other 
Member.  
3.9. The applicant should not be issued with a SID for so long as he or she possesses another 
SID.  
 
ES 25   ES 3.9.1. An early renewal system should apply in ci rcumstances where a se afarer is aware in 
advance that the period of  service is such that he or she w ill be unable to make his or her 
application at the date of expiry or renewal;  
3.9.2. An extension system should apply in circ umstances where an extension of a SID is 
required due to an unforeseen extens ion of the period of service;  
3.9.3. A replacement system should apply in circumstances where a SID is lost. A suitable 
temporary document can be issued.  
3.10. The proof that the applicant is a seafarer , within the meaning of  Article 1 of this 
Convention should at least consist of:  
3.10.1. a previous SID, or a seafarers' discharge book; or  
3.10.2. a certificate of competency, qualifica tion or other releva nt training; or  
3.10.3. equally cogent evidence.  
3.11. Supplementary proof should be sought where deemed appropriate.  3.12. All applications shoul d be subject to at least the foll owing verifications by a competent 
official of the issuing authority of SIDs:  
3.12.1. verification that the application is comp lete and shows no inconsistency raising doubts 
as to the truth of the statements made;  
3.12.2. verification that the details given an d the signature corre spond to those on the 
applicant's passport or other reliable document;  
3.12.3. verification, with the passport authority or other competent authority, of the 
genuineness of the passport or other document produced; where there is  reason to doubt the 
genuineness of the passport, the original should be  sent to the authority concerned; otherwise, 
a copy of the relevant pages may be sent;  
3.12.4. comparison of the photograph provided, where appropriate, with the digital 
photograph referred to in section 3.4.2 above;  
3.12.5. verification of the apparent genuineness of the certification referred to in section 3.6 
above;  
3.12.6. verification that the proof referred to in s ection 3.10 substantiates th at the applicant is 
indeed a seafarer;  
3.12.7. verification, in the database referred to in Article 4 of th e Convention, to ensure that a 
person corresponding to the applican t has not already been  issued with a SID;  if the applicant 
has or may have more than one nationality or any permanent residence outside the country of 
nationality, the necessary inquiries should also be  made with the competent authorities of the 
other country or countries concerned;  
3.12.8. verification, in any relevant national or international data base that may be accessible 
to the issuing authority, to ensure that a person corresponding to the applicant does not 
constitute a possible security risk.  
 
ES 26   ES 3.13. The official referred to in section 3.12 ab ove should prepare brief notes for the record 
indicating the results of each of the above verifi cations, and drawing atten tion to the facts that 
justify the conclusion that th e applicant is a seafarer.  
3.14. Once fully checked, the application, accomp anied by the supporting documents and the 
notes for the record, should be forwarded to th e official responsible for completion of the SID 
to be issued to the applicant.  
3.15. The completed SID, accompanied by the related file in the issuing authority, should then 
be forwarded to a senior official of that authority for approval.  
3.16. The senior official should give  such approval only if  satisfied, after revi ew of at least the 
notes for the record, that the procedures have been properly followed and that the issuance of 
the SID to the applicant is justified.  
3.17. This approval should be given in writing and be accompanied by explanations 
concerning any features of the applicati on that need special consideration.  
3.18. The SID (together with the passport or si milar document provided) should be handed to 
the applicant directly against receipt, or sent to the applicant or, if the latter has so requested, 
to his or her shipmaster or employer in both cases by reliable postal communication requiring 
advice of receipt.  
3.19. When the SID is issued to the applicant, the pa rticulars specified in Annex II to the 
Convention should be entered in the database referred to in Article 4 of the Convention.  
3.20. The rules of the issuing authority should  specify a maximum period for receipt after 
dispatch. If advice of re ceipt is not received with in that period and afte r due notification of the 
seafarer, an appropriate annota tion should be made in the database and the SID should be 
officially reported as lost and the seafarer informed.  
3.21. All annotations to be made, such as, in pa rticular, the brief notes  for the record (see 
section 3.13 above) and the explanations referred to in section 3.17, should be kept in a safe 
place during the period of validity of the SID and for three years afterwards. Those 
annotations and explanations required by se ction 3.17 should be reco rded in a separate 
internal database, and rendered accessible: (a ) to persons responsible for monitoring 
operations; (b) to officials involve d in the review of applications  for SIDs; and (c) for training 
purposes.  
3.22. When information is received suggesting that a SID was wrongly issued or that the 
conditions for its issue are no longer applicable, the matter should be promptly notified to the 
issuing authority with a view  to its rapid withdrawal.  
3.23. When a SID is suspended or withdrawn th e issuing authority should immediately update 
its database to indicate that this  SID is not currently recognized.  
3.24. If an application for a SID is refused or a decision is taken to suspend or withdraw a 
SID, the applicant should be officially inform ed of his or her right of appeal and fully 
informed of the reas ons for the decision.  
3.25. The procedures for appeal should be as rapi d as possible and consistent with the need 
for fair and complete consideration.  
4. Operation, security and ma intenance of the database  
 
ES 27   ES 4.1. The issuing authority should make the nece ssary arrangements and rules to implement 
Article 4 of this Convention, ensuring in particular:  
4.1.1. the availability of a focal point or electronic access over 24 hours a day, seven days a 
week, as required under paragraphs 4, 5 a nd 6 of Article 4 of the Convention;  
4.1.2. the security of the database;  
4.1.3. the respect for individual rights in the st orage, handling and communication of data;  
4.1.4. the respect for the seafarer's right to verify the accuracy of data relating to him or her 
and to have corrected, in a timely manner, any inaccuracies found.  
4.2. The issuing authority should draw up adequa te procedures for pr otecting the database, 
including:  
4.2.1. a requirement for the regular cr eation of back-up copies of the database, to be stored on 
media held in a safe location away from the premises of the issuing authority;  
4.2.2. the restriction to specially authorized offi cials of permission to access or make changes 
to an entry in the database once the entry ha s been confirmed by the official making it.  
5. Quality control of procedures and periodic evaluations  
5.1. The issuing authority should appoint a senior official of recognized integrity, loyalty and 
reliability, who is not involved in the custody or handling of SIDs, to  act as controller:  
5.1.1. to monitor on a continuous basis the implem entation of these minimum requirements;  
5.1.2. to draw immediate attention to any shortcomings in the implementation;  
5.1.3. to provide the executive head and the c oncerned officials with advice on improvements 
to the procedures for the issuance of SIDs; and  
5.1.4. to submit a quality-control re port to management on the a bove. The controller should, if 
possible, be familiar with all the operations to be monitored.  
5.2. The controller should report directly to the executive head  of the issuing authority.  
5.3. All officials of the issuing authority, incl uding the executive head, should be placed under 
a duty to provide the controller with all docum entation or information that the controller 
considers relevant to the perfor mance of his or her tasks.  
5.4. The issuing authority should make appropriate  arrangements to ensure that officials can 
speak freely to the controller w ithout fear of victimization.  
5.5. The terms of reference of the controller should  require that particular  attention be given to 
the following tasks:  
5.5.1. verifying that the resources, premises, equipment and staff are sufficient for the 
efficient performance of the functio ns of the issuing authority;  
5.5.2. ensuring that the arrangements for the safe custody of the blank and completed SIDs are 
adequate;  
 
ES 28   ES 5.5.3. ensuring that adequate rules, arrangements or procedures are in place in accordance 
with sections 2.6, 3.2, 4 and 5.4 above.  
5.5.4. ensuring that those rules a nd procedures, as well as arra ngements, are well known and 
understood by the officials concerned;  
5.5.5. detailed monitoring on a random basis of each  action carried out, including the related 
annotations and other records, in processing  particular cases, from the receipt of the 
application for a SID to the end of the procedure for its issuance;  
5.5.6. verification of the efficacy of the security measures used for the custody of blank SIDs, 
implements and materials;  
5.5.7. verification, if necessary with the aid of a tr usted expert, of the secu rity and veracity of 
the information stored electronically and that the requirement for 24 hours a day, seven days a 
week access is maintained;  
5.5.8. investigating any reliable report of a possi ble wrongful issuance of a SID or of a 
possible falsification or fraudul ent obtention of a SID, in orde r to identify any internal 
malpractice or weakness in systems that coul d have resulted in or assisted the wrongful 
issuance or falsification or fraud;  
5.5.9. investigating complaints alleging inadequate access to the details in  the database given 
the requirements of paragraphs 2, 3 and 5 of Ar ticle 4 of the Conventi on, or inaccuracies in 
those details;  
5.5.10. ensuring that reports identifying improvement s to the issuance pro cedures and areas of 
weakness have been acte d upon in a timely and effective manner by the executive head of the 
issuing authority;  
5.5.11. maintaining records of quality-control checks that have been carried out;  
5.5.12. ensuring that management re views of quality-control checks have been performed and 
that records of such re views are maintained.  
5.6. The executive head of the issuing authorit y should ensure a periodic evaluation of the 
reliability of the issuance system and procedures, and of their conformity with the 
requirements of this Convention. Such evaluatio n should take into account the following:  
5.6.1. findings of any audits of the issuance system and procedures;  
5.6.2. reports and findings of investigations and of other indicatio ns relevant to the 
effectiveness of corrective acti on taken as a result of reported  weaknesses or breaches of 
security;  
5.6.3. records of SIDs issued, lost, voided or spoiled;  
5.6.4. records relating to the f unctioning of quality control;  
5.6.5. records of problems with respec t to the reliability or securi ty of the electronic database, 
including inquiries made  to the database;  
5.6.6. effects of changes to the issuance system and procedures resul ting from technological 
improvements or innovations in the SID issuance procedures;  
 
ES 29   ES 5.6.7. conclusions of management reviews;  
5.6.8. audit of procedures to ensure  that they are applied in a manner consistent with respect 
for fundamental principles and rights at wo rk embodied in relevant ILO instruments.  
5.7. Procedures and processes shou ld be put in place to preven t unauthorized disclosure of 
reports provided by other Members.  
5.8. All audit procedures and processes should ensure that the production techniques and 
security practices, including the stock contro l procedures, are sufficient to meet the 
requirements of this Annex.