Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, as amended (No. 185) - Marshall Islands (Ratification: 2011)

The Committee recalls that the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) is not bound by the amended version of the Convention.

Article 2 of the Convention. Issuance of seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that, as of 31 December 2021, there were 13 Marshallese seafarers. The Government reiterates that the RMI Maritime Administrator (the “Administrator”) issues Seafarers’ Identification and Record Books (SIRBs) to every seafarer employed onboard an RMI vessel in accordance with the RMI Maritime Regulations (MI-108, paragraph 7.47.3) and Requirements for Seafarer Certification (MI-118, paragraph 4.1.1). Referring to its previous comments, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with Article 2 of the Convention by limiting the issuance of SIDs to nationals and permanent residents in the country.

Article 3. Content and form. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the Administrator has devoted considerable time to exploring how Marshallese seafarers can be issued SIDs that are fully compliant with the Convention. RMI has investigated both outsourcing the production of SIDs to a company and purchasing the necessary equipment to produce SIDs. Neither option is currently viable. For security reasons, the Administrator does not allow a seafarers’ personal data to be transferred to third parties. Therefore, it is not possible to outsource SIDs. On the other side, purchasing the equipment (whether new or used) is also not feasible as the equipment is too expensive to obtain and maintain, particularly considering the changing technology and the small number of SIDs that would need to be issued. Currently RMI is issuing SIRBs with QR Codes under national legislation. While noting this information, the Committee requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures to comply with the Convention.

Article 4. National electronic database. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the Administrator maintains a secure national electronic database to store each SIRB issued, suspended, or withdrawn. The status of an SIRB can be verified through an online system. [e-mail] is the RMI national focal point for inquiries on SIRBs. Referring to its comments under Articles 2 and 3, the Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the establishment of a national electronic database to store each SID issued, suspended, or withdrawn in conformity with Article 4 of the Convention.

Article 6. Facilitation of shore leave and transit and transfer of seafarers. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially set back the Government’s efforts to review legislation. It is unclear when Article 6 issues related to the facilitation of shore leave and transit and transfer of seafarers will be addressed. While noting the Government’s information,the Committee again requests it to take the necessary measures to amend the applicable legislation to ensure full conformity with Article 6 of the Convention.