A Seaman's Book (also called a Seafarer's Identity Document or SID) is an official maritime document that records your sea service and professional history. It serves as proof of your maritime career and is required by most flag states for crew identification and visa purposes.
What is a Seaman's Book?
A Seaman's Book is a passport-sized document issued by a flag state's maritime authority. It records:
- Your personal details and photograph
- Your rank and qualifications
- Details of every vessel you have served on
- Dates of joining and leaving each vessel
- Your certificate numbers (CoC, STCW, medical)
The Seaman's Book is not a replacement for your passport — it is a supplementary document that provides evidence of your maritime career. It is particularly important for:
- Visa applications: Many countries issue seafarer visas based on a valid Seaman's Book
- Port state control: Inspectors may request your Seaman's Book to verify your qualifications
- Employment: Shipping companies and crew agencies use it to verify sea service
- Immigration: Proves your professional status when crossing borders for crew change
Who issues Seaman's Books?
Each flag state issues its own Seaman's Book through its maritime authority:
- United Kingdom: MCA issues the UK Seafarer's Identity Document (SID) under ILO Convention 185
- Canada: Transport Canada issues the Seafarer's Identity Document
- Malta: Transport Malta issues the Seafarer's Identity Document
- Panama: SEGUMAR issues the Seaman's Book
- Liberia: Liberia Maritime Authority issues the Seafarer's Record Book
You can also obtain a Seaman's Book through approved service providers who facilitate the application process with the relevant flag state.
Seaman's Book vs STCW certificate
These are different documents with different purposes:
- Seaman's Book: Identity document recording your career history. Issued once and updated throughout your career.
- STCW certificate: Training certificate proving you have completed specific safety courses. Issued per course, valid 5 years.
You need both. The Seaman's Book proves who you are and where you have served. STCW certificates prove what training you have completed. Neither replaces the other.
How to get a Seaman's Book
The application process varies by flag state but typically requires:
- Valid passport and passport-size photographs
- Original or certified copies of your certificates (CoC, STCW, medical)
- Proof of sea service (discharge book entries or employer letters)
- Completed application form
- Application fee (varies by flag state)
Application fees typically range from US$50 to US$300 depending on the flag state.
Processing time is typically 2–6 weeks depending on the flag state and application method.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Seaman's Book to work at sea?
Most flag states require crew to hold a Seaman's Book or equivalent identity document. It is essential for visa applications, port state control inspections, and crew identification.
Can I use my passport instead of a Seaman's Book?
Your passport is required for international travel, but it does not serve as proof of maritime service. The Seaman's Book provides the additional evidence of your career that flag states and employers require.
How long is a Seaman's Book valid?
Validity varies by flag state. UK SIDs are typically valid for 10 years. Other flag states may issue books valid for 5 years. Check with your flag state's maritime authority.
Can I get a Seaman's Book from a different flag state than my CoC?
Yes. Many seafarers hold a CoC from one flag state and a Seaman's Book from another. This is common when working under different flags throughout a career. Open-registry flag states like Panama, Marshall Islands and Liberia are popular choices for the book itself because their maritime authorities issue it independently of your CoC, and it stays valid for as long as you keep endorsements current under any flag.
See also: STCW Basic Safety Training | CoC vs STCW endorsement | Compare flag states
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