Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes the adoption of Resolution No. 9 of 13 May 2009 approving the Regulation concerning the issuance of the seafarers’ book of the Republic of Cuba.

Article 3 of the Convention. Retention of the seafarer’s identity document by the seafarer. For many years, the Committee had been requesting the Government to bring section 33 of the Decree No. 26 of 1978 into conformity with the Convention to ensure that the seafarer’s identity document remains in the seafarer’s possession at all times. The Committee notes with interest that the seafarer is obliged to carry the new seafarer’s book, and to present it to national or foreign migration or maritime authorities on request (section 7 of the 2009 Regulation). However, in view of section 8 of this Regulation, the Committee asks the Government to explain how the new seafarer’s book relates to the seafarer’s passport issued under the 1978 Decree.

Furthermore, the Government had previously indicated that it was examining the possibility of ratifying the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185), which is the up to date instrument in the field, and whose ratification would entail the denunciation of the present Convention. The Committee would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would communicate information on any consultations held in this regard and on any developments concerning the ratification of Convention No. 185.