What Is The Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID)?
The SID is used to;
Obtain a proof of the bearer’s eligibility for visa waiver
to identify a bearer as a genuine seafarer who may be entitled to transit with his/her passport at ports and border crossing, as well as to shore leave even without a visa.
PURPOSES OF THE SEAFARER’S IDENTITY DOCUMENT
- Enhance Maritime Safety and Security To provide for safety and security of maritime industry, which handles 90% of global trade To support Government as they take measure to strengthen their boarders against the threat of international terrorism
- Accurate Determination of Seafarer’s Industry To ensure global interoperability & reliability of seafarer’s identification To provide the blueprint for creating and issuing secure national identity documents and international recognition of the reliability of the documents issued
- Facilitate Maritime Transport To minimize the formalities, documentary requirements & procedures associated with the arrival, stay, shore, leave, transit and departure of seafarers onboard ships on international voyages
- Ensure Seafarer’s Professional Life To ensure that the privileges of facilitated border crossing for shore leave, transit, transfer and repatriation are provided only to genuine seafarers as part of the basic rights of Seafarers int he conduct of their profession.