BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Mar 5, CMC – The Barbados government says it has formally deposited the instrument of ratification of the revised International Labour Organization (ILO) Seafarers Identity Document (SID) Conventon.
The document was signed by Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international organizations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson, and Director General of the ILO, Gilbert Houngbo, on Monday at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva.
The SID Convention is an international treaty aimed at improving the security, identity verification, and mobility of seafarers, while ensuring their rights and facilitating their shore leave and transit.
“As a small island developing state with a large ocean footprint, Barbados is pleased to ratify the International Labour Organization Seafarers’ Identity Document Convention (Revised), 2003 – as Amended (No. 185),” said Ambassador Wilson.
He told the signing ceremony that tourism and international trade are the mainstays of Barbados’ economy, and fisheries is an important part of its food security, adding “this is why we focus on the sustainable use of our ocean resources and the protection of all stakeholders.
“This was never more pronounced as during the COVID-19 pandemic when our country implemented several measures to support seafarers, including the extension of seafarers’ certificates and documents, the issuance of medical certificates, and flexibility in manning requirements. Barbados’ ratification of this Convention is a testimony to our commitment to seafarers’ welfare and the continuity of maritime operations.”
Houngbo thanked Barbados for its ongoing commitment to multilateralism and the work of the ILO.
The ILO Convention offers several key benefits for seafarers, shipowners, and governments in the areas of security, facilitation of movement, and industry efficiency.
Key aspects of the ILO Convention No. 185 include the introduction of a biometric-based SID with enhanced security features to prevent fraud and unauthorised access, as well as to facilitate the transit and shore leave of seafarers by ensuring they have a secure, verifiable identity document.
This also strengthens maritime security by minimising the risk of identity fraud. It also ensures that seafarers holding a valid SID can access shore leave in foreign ports without unnecessary visa requirements. It aims to balance security concerns with the rights of seafarers to free movement and supports the global shipping industry by ensuring efficient crew changes and operations.
Barbados has shown its commitment to the rights of seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it assisted seafarers by facilitating crew changes, providing humanitarian support, and ensuring stranded seafarers could safely return home.
Through its policy on Crew Repatriation and Safe Haven for Seafarers, Barbados was one of the first countries to allow crew changes while many countries imposed strict lockdowns and port restrictions. Thousands of seafarers stranded on cruise ships and cargo vessels were able to disembark in Bridgetown and return home safely, the government said.
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