Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2024, publiée 113ème session CIT (2025)

Convention (n° 185) sur les pièces d'identité des gens de mer (révisée), 2003, telle qu'amendée - Albanie (Ratification: 2007)

The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention. It also notes that the 2016 amendments to the Annexes of the Convention entered into force for Albania on 8 June 2017. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that its current Seafarers’ Identity Document (SID) does not meet the necessary security standards outlined in the Convention. To address these issues, the General Maritime Directorate (GMD) has proposed the implementation of a project for an improved information management system which would enhance the production and security standards of SIDs and other travel documents. The Committee requests the Government to adopt in the near future the necessary measures to give full effect to all the provisions of the Convention taking into account the issues raised below. The Committee reminds the Government of the possibility to avail itself of the Office technical assistance.

Article 1(1) and (2) of the Convention. Definition of the term “seafarer”. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information on the definition of the term “seafarer”. Referring to its comments under Article II of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006), the Committee requests the Government to indicate how it ensures that all seafarers as defined under Article 1 of Convention No. 185 can benefit from the protection provided by it.

Article 2(1) and (3). Issuance of seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that SIDs are issued to all Albanian citizens and all foreign/stateless citizens who are permanent residents of the Republic of Albania. The Committee observes that the Government has not referred to the relevant laws or regulations giving effect to this provision of the Convention. The Committeeaccordingly requests the Government to indicate the relevant laws or regulations ensuring compliance with Article 2(1) and (3).

Article 2(1) and (5). Issuance of seafarers’ identity documents. Right to appeal. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 106 of Law No. 9251, dated 8 July 2004 (“Maritime Code of the Republic of Albania”, as amended), which establishes a complaint procedure for seafarers without dealing, however, with the appeal in case of rejection of an application for a SID. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the national relevant provisions ensuring that seafarers have the right to an administrative appeal in case of rejection of their application to obtain a SID.

Article 3. Content and form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Albanian SIDs are not yet digital/biometric, coded, and with an integrated circuit. It also notes a photocopy of the Seafarers’ Book provided by the Government. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures in the near future to issue a new SID fully compliant with the amended version of the Convention.

Article 4. National electronic database. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the data of seafarers provided with a seafarers’ book is recorded and stored in physical registers. This data is stored in personal computers in the GMD and such database is not electronic. Thus, there are no security measures against unauthorized access. Noting this information, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure full conformity with Article 4 and Annex II, as amended in 2016.