When applying for a seafarer’s identity document, the question often arises: how do ILO 108 and ILO 185 differ, does it affect the document itself, and which option should you choose?
Let’s break it down 👇
ILO stands for the International Labour Organization. Both conventions regulate matters concerning seafarers’ identity documents.
🔸 ILO 108 — The Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention, 1958. It was adopted on May 13, 1958. Under this standard, the document confirms the seafarer’s identity and contains basic identification details.
🔸 ILO 185 — The Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003. It was adopted on June 19, 2003, and entered into force on February 9, 2005.
Why was ILO 185 introduced?
It is an updated version of ILO 108, created to meet modern security and identity verification requirements. ILO 185 includes:
🔹 enhanced document security against forgery;
🔹 machine-readable data;
🔹 biometric identification;
🔹 electronic verification of document information.
Simply put: ILO 108 is the original international standard, while ILO 185 is its modern version featuring additional security and verification mechanisms.
Which seafarer identity documents comply with these conventions?
🇺🇦 Ukraine — ILO 108
🇧🇲 Bermuda — ILO 108
🇵🇼 Palau — ILO 185
🇰🇳 St. Kitts & Nevis — ILO 185
🇵🇦 Panama — ILO 108
If you have any remaining questions, feel free to ask in the comments or message the manager at @Seamens_Club_Ukraine.
👉 Need a seafarer’s identity document?
We provide full-service document processing for: Bermuda, Palau, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Panama. Comment “PM” or message @Seamens_Club_Ukraine — we’ll tell you about the available options and help you choose the right one. 👌
Seamen’s Club 🇺🇦