Marina launches latest Seafarer’s ID Card system

Marina launches latest SID system
RAFFY AYENG June 26, 2019 https://www.manilatimes.net/marina-launches-latest-sid-system/574836/

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) launched a new Seafarer’s ID Card (SID) on Tuesday during the celebratory program marking the International Day of the Seafarers 2019, as declared by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The SID project was developed in compliance with the standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 185 or the
“Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention 2003,” as amended. Generally, the SID provides the easy facilitation of Filipino seafarers’ shore leave, cross border, transfer and repatriation by doing away with the stringent requirement of visa.

Initially, the SID, which complements the existing Seaman’s Identity and Records Book (SIRB), will be renewable every five years.

Filipino seafarers can avail of the benefits of SID in any of the 34 countries that have ratified the ILO Convention 185 or the SID Convention including France, the Republic of Korea and Spain.

In its eventual implementation, Marina will prioritize overseas Filipino seafarers in the application for the SID, but domestic Filipino seafarers may also avail of such documents.

The Marina is committed to uphold quality of the Philippine maritime human resources through the provision of extensive trainings and technologically advanced documentations to our Filipino seafarers, and the development of the SID is one of the initiatives in making this commitment possible.

SID was developed together with FMC Research Solutions Inc. and NEC Philippines. FMC research specializes on high security printing solutions against counterfeiting and forgery. NEC, on the other hand, has a strong track records in the implementation of biometric and identity related projects, including experiences in conversion of millions records of biometric data, as well as system interfaces and integration.

It was also recently awarded the Asia’s Best Regional Identification Document by the prestigious Reconnaissance High Security Printing last November 2018.

Gracing this year’s Day of the Seafarer celebration were Transportation for Maritime Undersecretary Fernando Perez, representing Transportation Secretary Art Tugade, and newly elected Marino party-list Rep. Carlo Lisandro Gonzales.

Meanwhile, as part of this year’s celebration, Filipino seafarers utilizing the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 were given free rides.

The free rides were from 5:30 a.m. until the end of its regular operations at 10:30 p.m., upon presenting their SIRB or PRC ID to ticket sellers or security guards that were stationed in the service gate.

The Day of the Seafarer is marked annually every June 25. The day celebrates and recognizes the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international sea borne trade, the world economy and civil society.