Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - Seychelles (Ratification: 1978)

The Committee notes the observations of the Seychelles Federation of Workers’ Unions (SFWU) received on 31 August 2015 which state that the SFWU, along with the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) and the Seychelles Seafarers and Transport Association (SSTA) recognize the need to consider the possibility of ratifying the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185). The SFWU also stated that the social partners will appreciate technical assistance in order to undertake this task. The Committee takes note of this information and requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention. Readmission to territory and right to enter territory. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that there was no specific legislation or regulation providing for seafarers who hold a valid seafarers’ identity document, the right to be readmitted into the issuing territory, for at least one year after its expiry, as well as the right to shore leave, as required by Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention, respectively. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Seafarers of International Ship) Regulations, 2014, conferred by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1994 (Cap. 127 A), implements the Convention. It observes, however, that only section 166 of the Merchant Shipping Act discusses the issuance of the Discharge Book. The Committee notes however that these legislative texts do not mention the readmission or the right to enter a territory. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures in order to fully implement the requirements of Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention.

The Committee recalls that the Convention has been revised by the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185). It draws the Government’s attention to its general observation addressing the recent amendments to the annexes of Convention No. 185.