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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. Since 1999, the Committee has been commenting on the Government’s failure to apply the Convention and has been requesting it to: (i) reinstate the identity document for seafarers who are Barbadian nationals; (ii) enact new regulations or amend existing ones so that foreign seafarers may enter Barbados with a valid identity document issued pursuant to this Convention; and (iii) provide copies of the relevant legislative and/or regulatory texts ensuring the application of the Convention. In its latest report, the Government indicates that there are no active seafarers employed, no seafarer or shipowner representative organizations and no formal employment agencies. The Government adds that it has not denounced the Convention and that identity documents would be issued in the future if there is demand for them. While noting the explanations regarding the current situation with respect to Barbadian seafarers, the Committee also notes that the Government has not given any indication as to whether foreign seafarers holding identity documents issued pursuant to the Convention are accorded the facilities provided for in that instrument. Under the circumstances, the Committee concludes that the basic requirements of the Convention are still not implemented in either law or practice. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that its obligations under the Convention are fully respected and to inform the Office of all measures taken in this regard.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.