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Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - Solomon Islands (RATIFICATION: 1985)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2011.

Articles 2 and 4 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes section 145(1) of the Shipping Act 1998 which provides for “seaman’s identity cards” to be issued by the Principal Shipping Officer to citizens or permanent residents who are serving or intend to serve aboard any vessel. It also notes section 152(v) of the Shipping Act which provides for the issuance of ministerial regulations in relation to, among others, the circumstances, manner and form in which “seaman’s identity cards” are issued, recorded and dealt with. The Committee requests the Government to specify whether any such regulations have been issued, and if so, to transmit a copy. The Committee also requests the Government to provide a specimen of the current seaman’s identity card.

Articles 5 and 6. Readmission to a territory and right to enter a territory. The Committee recalls that the Convention requires that seafarers who hold a seafarer’s identity document should be granted permission to enter the territory of another State party to the Convention (for instance, for reasons of shore leave or for joining a ship) and should also be admitted to the territory of the issuing State up to one year after the expiry of the identity document. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any legal provisions giving effect to Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention.