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Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108) - Saint Lucia (Ratification: 1980)

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2024, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition
Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 1994 (Cap. 13.27) as last amended in 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition
Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 1994 (Cap. 13.27) as last amended in 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books.The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 1994 (Cap. 13.27) as last amended in 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2021, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 1994 (Cap. 13.27) as last amended in 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2020, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 1994 (Cap. 13.27) as last amended in 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2012.

Repetition

Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 1994 (Cap. 13.27) as last amended in 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Repetition

Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 1994 (Cap. 13.27) as last amended in 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition
Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted.
Moreover, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it intends to examine the possibility of ratifying the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185). The Committee recalls that according to Article 9 of Convention No. 185, it is possible to apply this Convention provisionally with a view to its ratification. The objective of this provision is to allow the countries party to Convention No. 108 to move forward with the adoption of the new seafarers’ identity document in order to achieve universal use and recognition of that document. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on any decision taken in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Articles 3, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee recalls the Government’s earlier statement that the Convention is applied through the Shipping Act 2001. The Committee notes, however, that with the exception of section 131 that deals with seafarer’s certificates of discharge, the Shipping Act does not contain any specific provisions regulating the procedure for issuing seafarer’s books – like the one appended to the Government’s last report. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the national laws or regulations prescribing the form and content of the seafarer’s book and giving effect to the following requirements of the Convention: seafarer’s identity document to remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times (Article 3); seafarer’s right to be readmitted to the territory of the country that issued the identity document (Article 5); and seafarer’s right to enter the territory of a country for which the Convention is in force for temporary shore leave or for the purpose of joining a ship, passing in transit to join a ship or for repatriation (Article 6). The Committee would appreciate receiving copies of any relevant texts which may not have been previously transmitted to the Office.

Moreover, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it intends to examine the possibility of ratifying the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185). The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any decision taken in this regard. It also requests the Government to provide, in accordance with Part V of the report form, up to date information on the practical application of the Convention, including statistics on the number of seafarers’ identity documents issued during the reporting period.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 6(1) and (2). Entry into the territory. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report, as long as the seafarer has valid “seamen’s documents” and the vessel meets entry requirements, permission to stay would be granted for the length of time the vessel is required to be in port. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the legal provisions guaranteeing that effect is given to this Article of the Convention.

The Committee also requests the Government to supply in its next report a copy of the national laws or regulations giving effect to the Convention, including Immigration Ordinance Chapter 76, Volume I, 1957, as well as a specimen of the seafarer’s identity document. It also requests the Government to indicate, in more detail and with reference to relevant legislation, measures taken to give effect to Articles 1(1), 3, 5 and 6(3) of the Convention.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply up-to-date information concerning the practical application of the Convention, including, for example, information concerning the number of seafarer’s identity documents issued and any difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention.

The Committee again draws the Government’s attention to the entry into force of the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185). It requests the Government to indicate whether it is giving consideration to ratifying this instrument, in order to bring the seafarer’s identity documents in line with the requirements of this Convention and to minimize possible problems when requesting shore leave, transit, etc.

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

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the Government’s report, notably concerning Article 1(2), Article 2(2) and Article 4(6) of the Convention. It asks the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

Article 6, paragraphs 1 and 2. Entry into the territory. According to the Government’s report, as long as the seafarer has valid “seamen’s documents” and the vessel meets entry requirements, permission to stay would be granted for the length of time the vessel is required to be in port. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the legal provisions guaranteeing that effect is given to this Article of the Convention.

With reference to its previous comment, the Committee requests the Government to supply in its next report a copy of the national laws or regulations giving effect to the Convention, including Immigration Ordinance Chapter 76, Volume I, 1957, as well as a specimen of the seafarer’s identity document. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate, in more detail and with reference to relevant legislation, measures taken to give effect to Article 1(1), Article 3, Article 5 and Article 6(3) of the Convention.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue supplying up to date information concerning the practical application of the Convention, including a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in Saint Lucia, for example, information concerning the number of seafarer’s identity documents issued and any difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention.

The Committee again draws the Government’s attention to the entry into force of the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185). It asks the Government to indicate whether it is giving consideration to ratifying this instrument, in order to bring the seafarer’s identity documents issued to Saint Lucia seafarers up to date and to minimize possible problems for Saint Lucia nationals when requesting shore leave, transit, etc.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 2 of the Convention. Issuance of seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes with regret from the Government’s report that the practice of issuing seafarers’ identity documents was discontinued prior to 1990. The Government states that the administration is currently reviewing the re-issuing of seafarers’ identity documents.

The Committee urges the Government to take the appropriate measures to bring national law and practice into conformity with the Convention. It requests the Government to submit a detailed report with information on each Article of the Convention and on each of the questions set out in the report form adopted by the Governing Body, indicating the specific provisions in national legislation that correspond to each of the provisions of this Convention, as required by Part II of the report form. Please also supply a copy of the national laws or regulations giving effect to the Convention (e.g. the Immigration Ordinance Chapter 76, Volume I, 1957), as well as a specimen of the newly issued seafarers’ identity document.

Furthermore, the Committee invites the Government to consider the possibility of ratifying the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185), which would result in the automatic denunciation of this Convention. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on consultations which have been held on this matter.