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

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - Ghana (Ratification: 1960)

Articles 1 to 6 of the Convention. Issuance of seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes that pursuant to section 121 of the Ghana Shipping Act, 2003 (Act No. 645), the Minister may make regulations to provide for the conditions of service of persons serving on Ghanaian ships and Ghanaian nationals serving on foreign ships, and the implementation of any international convention relating to the employment, welfare, security, certification or status of seafarers. The Committee notes with regret that the Government, in its report, does not provide information on any regulations adopted to implement the provisions of the Convention. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that the specimen of a seafarers’ identity document is not readily available for supply to seafarers. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to give effect to the Convention and to provide a specimen of the seafarers’ identity document.

Article 5. Readmission of seafarers holding Ghanaian seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that non-Ghanaian seafarers holding a Ghanaian seafarers’ identity document are admitted into Ghanaian territory. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates its previous indication that a seafarers’ identity document and proof of engagement by a shipping company are required before a seafarer is permitted entry into the territory. The Committee recalls that any seafarer who holds a valid seafarers’ identity document issued by the competent authority of a territory for which the Convention is in force shall be readmitted to that territory, whether or not they are presently engaged with a shipping company or agent. The same applies during a period of at least one year after expiry of their identity document. The Committee therefore requests the Government once again to indicate the measures adopted to give effect to this provision of the Convention.

The Committee further 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.

[The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2017.]