Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - Canada (Ratification: 1967)

The Committee takes note of the supplementary information provided by the Government in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th session (June 2020). The Committee proceeded with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the supplementary information received from the Government this year, as well as on the basis of the information at its disposal in 2019.

Possible ratification of the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185), as amended. The Committee had noted the Government’s information that further analysis and evaluation were required regarding potential technical upgrades of the existing seafarers’ identity documents system based on a two dimensional barcode, in relation with the possible ratification of Convention No. 185, as amended in 2016. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that as a result of the evaluation conducted, it has determined that it will not be proceeding with ratification of Convention No. 185. The Government reaffirms its commitment with the implementation of Convention No. 108, in particular with respect to the recognition of seafarers’ identity documents issued by other ratifying States in order to facilitate seafarers’ entry into the country for the purposes of shore leave, as well as transit, transfer or repatriation. The Committee recalls in this regard the Resolution adopted by the third meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention, as amended (MLC, 2006), whereby it expressed concern about the difficulties that seafarers continue to have in accessing shore leave and transiting in certain ports and terminals around the world, and recognized that, although an increased number of member States have ratified Convention No. 185, there still appear to be problems in ensuring that the Convention works in the way that it was originally intended. Noting that these problems have profoundly increased as a result of the restrictions imposed by governments around the world to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee invites the Government to inform of any reconsideration of its position on Convention No. 185.

Article 4(2) of the Convention. Requirements of seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee had requested the Government to insert a statement in the seafarer’s identity document indicating that it is a seafarer’s identity document for the purpose of the Convention, as required under its Article 4(2). The Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication that the seafarer’s identity document was updated to include an issuance date as well as the statement required by Article 4(2).