Barbados Achieves Milestone as the 40th ILO Member State to Ratify Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention
GENEVA, Switzerland – On March 3, 2025, Barbados officially ratified the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention, 2003 (No. 185), marking a significant achievement as the 40th member state of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to do so. This ratification was confirmed by the deposit of the instrument with the ILO’s director-general.
The Convention facilitates the issuance of electronic seafarers’ identity documents, utilizing advanced technology akin to electronic passports. This innovation is set to enhance seafarers’ access to shore leave and improve their transfer and transit processes while bolstering port security through a recognized and secure identification system.
In a statement regarding the ratification, Barbados’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva expressed pride in this commitment, emphasizing that the nation’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism and international trade, aligns with the principles of sustainable ocean resource management and stakeholder protection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbados implemented numerous measures to support seafarers, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to their welfare and the continuity of maritime operations.
The ILO’s director-general congratulated Barbados on this landmark decision, highlighting the country’s dedication to international labor standards, maritime security, and the facilitation of seafarer mobility. As the first country in the Caribbean to ratify this Convention, Barbados sets a benchmark in strengthening protections for seafarers, ensuring secure and verifiable identification.
The Convention will come into effect for Barbados on September 3, 2025, six months after the ratification date.
