Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, as amended (No. 185) - Albania (Ratification: 2007)

Articles 2–7 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention, in particular the Government’s explanations that it is currently revising all identification documents in order to meet the benchmarks set by the European Union. With respect to the national electronic database, the Government indicates that work is under way under the guidance of Italian consultants (RINA) to establish a national registration centre within the framework of a project for the establishment of a Maritime Administration and the improvement of maritime legislation.

The Committee is fully cognizant of the fact that ratifying countries may need a few years to put in place the facilities and systems necessary for the issuance of seafarers’ identity documents, especially in view of the highly technical character of certain requirements and recommended procedures. It further understands that, at the initial stage, it may only be able to make a preliminary assessment of the extent to which Members ratifying the Convention have established the necessary facilities and systems. The Committee therefore encourages the Government to pursue its action with a view to adopting the necessary implementing legislation and recalls that the Government may, if it so wishes, avail itself of the advisory services of the Office in drafting new laws or regulations.

The Committee accordingly requests the Government to supply copies of all relevant texts as soon as they are adopted, detailed information on the procedures for setting up and operating a national electronic database and conducting quality control and periodic evaluations, as well as a specimen (not a photocopy) seafarer’s identity document. It also requests the Government to provide a copy of the Regulations of the General Harbour Master’s Office on the procedures for providing Albanian seafarers with seafarer passports and the manner of their administration, to which reference was made in the Government’s report.