Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - Liberia (Ratification: 1981)

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The Committee requested the Government to provide its comments in reply to the observations of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) received on 4 August 2017, according to which the practice of Liberia to require all non-national seafarers to have a seafarers’ identity document (SID) issued by its registry for the purpose of applying for special qualification certificates would contravene the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that its SID gives seafarers the protection afforded by Convention No. 108 and is therefore in compliance with it. The Government adds that seafarers from many countries serve on ships flying the Liberian flag and are expected to contribute to the safety of their team members and their vessels. Tracking and validating their qualifications and suitability to serve in the roles they seek for employment is consistent with the responsibilities of a flag State.

The Committee recalls that according to Article 2, paragraph 2, Members may issue a seafarer’s identity document to a seafarer who applies for such a document. However, requiring every seafarer to have a Liberian SID, including those who might have an SID issued by his or her country of nationality or permanent residence contravenes the objective of the Convention. Indeed, under both Convention No. 108 and the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, as amended (No. 185), the country of nationality or permanent residence of the seafarer has the primary responsibility to issue SIDs. Accordingly, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full application to Article 2, paragraph 2 of the Convention by ensuring that SIDs are issued only upon request by the seafarer concerned and not as a precondition to apply for special qualification certificates.