A new type of identification document has come to the spotlight on the Day of the Seafarer 2019. This new award-winning ID card boasts security features that is somehow comparable to our passports. It is called SID or Seafarers Identity Document.
In this blog, were going to talk about this document including its purpose, issuance requirements, validity and fees. Who shall be entitled to have this document? Read to find out.
What is SID or Seafarers Identity Document?
The SID refers to an International Identity Document under ILO Convention as a proof of seafarer’s identity other than the SRB which may be eligible for visa waiver.
Additionally, this document can be used to identify genuine seafarers who may be entitled to transit with their passport at ports and border crossings and to have a shore leave without a visa.
By having this proof, there can be minimal formalities or documentary requirements during arrival and departure in ports.
In addition, a seafarer with SID can have privileges of shore leave, transit, transfer and repatriation with simplified documentary or immigration requirements.
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Conception and Purpose
The SID is the product of the ILO (International Labor Organization) Convention No. 185 otherwise known as the Seafarer’s Identity Documents Convention and the STCW Convention.
Above all, its main purpose is to promote modern security document to immigration and border facilities and to simplify identification and verification requirements for seafarers.
Countries that accepts SID
These are the the countries where SID will initially acceptable:
Photo from MARINA
Who can avail of the SID?
The following are the criteria of the issuance of the SID:
First, all Filipino seafarers of 18 years old and above engaged in any capacity onboard ships of 35GT and above. This is compulsory for all seafarers of any ranks.
Second, Filipino cadets/cadettes below 18 years old may be issued with SID but only for shipboard training purposes only.
What are the requirements in getting SID?
The only requirement for SID is a valid SIRB or SRB. Thus, for those who already have a valid SIRB, then you can apply directly with SID.
The new applicants will have to get SRB first before getting the SID.
On the other hand, if you are onboard, you might as well wait until you disembark. The requirements are a bit tedious. See below:
How to apply for SID?
Starting February 6th, all applications of the SID and SRB shall be done via the MARINA SID/SRB Online Appointment System.
Logging into https://sidsrb.marina.gov.ph. Click Start Now.
Next, click I Agree button.
Then, the next window will let you choose the type of application you want. In this example, we’ll choose Seafarer Identity Document.
Next, click the Your Info button to fill up necessary information.
Then, click Scanned Documents. This window will let you upload the necessary documents for this application which is your SRB.
RELATED: Exploring the MARINA SID/SRB Online Appointment Platform
Click the Add button to upload your SRB. After uploading, click the Review button.
In this window, review the information that you have provided. Make sure that all entries are correct before hitting the Submit button!
Go to your nominated email address and look an email sent by the [email protected]. In the email’s body, click CONFIRM YOUR APPOINTMENT.
A separate email will then be received from the same sender saying that YOUR APPOINTMENT IS NOW CONFIRMED. PRINT the attachment.
You can now go to your selected MARINA Office for verification of your documents. This time, you can get your new SID.
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Fees and Charges
The fees and charges are the following:
Re-Issuance include IDs that were lost, damaged, reprint and unclaimed for more than 6 months.
Validity of SID
SID is valid for 5 years. SID issued to cadets/cadettes below 18 years old for shipboard training purposes is valid only for 3 years.
If an applicant is unable to claim his or her SID within 6 months after application shall be revoked. Therefore, one must re-apply again.
This document can be claimed personally, authorized representative or the MARINA’s accredited courier upon payment of shipping fee.
SID Advisory
Starting 23 September 2019, MARINA Central office will only be accepting walk-in applicants for issuance of Seafarers Identity Document (SID) with the following additional requirements:
- Overseas Employment Contract (OEC)
- Letter Request from Company for Expedited Processing
- Confirmed Travel Ticket (SID/SRB application should be at least four-days prior departure date)
- Have a confirmed appointment on a future date
MARINA Offices Issuing SID
Moving forward with Seafarers Identity Document..
AS a result of this initiative, the SID will make it easier, more convenient for seafarers. This can possibly make cross-country entry and exit without much immigration requirements.
However, as of now, this may not be as widely accepted as expected. In due time, for sure, this will be mainstream.