Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - British Virgin Islands

Articles 2 and 4 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls that the Government has last provided information on how the Convention is applied in law and practice in 1972, and, in all subsequent reports, it has indicated that there has been no change in the law giving effect to the Convention. The Committee notes that under section 143 of the Merchant Shipping Act of 2001 (No. 13), the Governor in Council may make regulations providing for the issue to Virgin Islands seafarers of cards in such form and containing such particulars with respect to the holders as may be prescribed by the regulations and for requiring Virgin Islands seafarers to apply for such cards. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether any such regulations have so far been issued, and if so, to transmit a copy. The Committee would also appreciate receiving a specimen of the British Virgin Islands seafarer’s card currently in use.

Articles 3, 5 and 6. Readmission to a territory and right to enter a territory. The Committee requests the Government to specify the laws or regulations giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right of return to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6).