Ministry Issues 200 Seafarer Identity Documents
Ministry confirms 200 seafarers have received IDs | Photo: MV+
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has confirmed that 200 Maldivian seafarers have received Seafarer Identity Documents since the resumption of issuance on 24 June 2024, marking a significant step in efforts to revitalise the maritime sector.
The initiative closes a regulatory gap that persisted for almost ten years and had restricted employment prospects for the country’s maritime workforce. In a report released this week, the ministry outlined reforms implemented over the past two years, noting that the progress followed a directive led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
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The SID, required under the International Labour Organization’s Maritime Labour Convention since 2016, was not issued in the Maldives until mid-2024. The absence of the document prevented many Maldivian seafarers from securing roles on international liner vessels. Some foreign authorities reportedly denied entry to Maldivians without the credential, resulting in deportations and fines.
Issuance began on 24 June 2024, with the documents meeting standards recognised by both the International Maritime Organization and the ILO. Two hundred seafarers have since obtained the credential, which the ministry expects will expand access to jobs on foreign-flagged vessels and improve income-earning opportunities.
The ministry has also introduced Certificates of Competency to widen career pathways within the maritime sector. The programme is designed for individuals working on cargo vessels operating in the Near Coastal Area. Applicants who complete Certificate III in Marine Operations or Certificate III in Marine Engineering are eligible to receive a CoC upon passing an oral examination. Fourteen Deck CoC certificates have been issued over the past two years, enabling qualified seafarers to apply for officer-level positions on coastal vessels.
The ministry stated that the challenges created by the long absence of the SID have now been resolved. Officials emphasised that the coordinated reforms, initiated under the leadership of President Muizzu, have restored momentum to a sector that had faced years of stagnation.
