Boost for Kenya's seafarers as state commissions identity document

In a significant development for Kenya's maritime sector, the government has announced plans to issue a Seafarers Identity Document (SID) that will facilitate international travel and operations for Kenyan seafarers.

The move, directed by President William Ruto, marks a historic shift as no seafarer in Kenya has ever been issued such a document since the country's independence.

The Secretary General of the Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK), Atie Ramadan, confirmed that the issuance process will begin shortly.

"The government has requested that we submit our database of seafarers to the Department of Immigration to actualise this initiative," Ramadan stated.

The introduction of the SID is seen as a major milestone, for the seafarers who have been facing challenges in accessing benefits from member states.

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) has long advocated for such documents, emphasizing their importance in ensuring seafarers can access the benefits available in member states.

Maritime Wages Council Chairman Mwinyi Jahazi highlighted the advantages of the SID, noting, "With the Identity Document, a seafarer no longer needs a visa to travel between countries. Additionally, it simplifies access to banking services and provides various other benefits, such as shore leave and luggage discounts."

In addition to the SID, COTU has committed to supporting SUK through various initiatives.

This includes a collaboration aimed at enhancing the union's effectiveness and a pledge to oversee the operationalisation of the Seafarers Wages Council.

Jahazi emphasised that this intervention will help address issues related to rogue shipowners and unscrupulous agencies.

"The support from COTU will help curb these malpractices and protect seafarers' earnings," Jahazi added.

Furthermore, COTU has pledged to assist in equipping SUK's new office in Ganjoni, Mombasa.

"The previous office handover was problematic, with no clear transition of assets to the new team. We are now focused on ensuring smooth operations," Jahazi explained.

In light of these developments, SUK has launched a major recruitment drive to attract new members and formalize the membership of existing seafarers.

The union currently boasts over 4,000 registered members worldwide.

The union has also urged the government to implement the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, which Kenya ratified in 2014, to further protect the rights and welfare of seafarers.

The issuance of the Seafarers Identity Document represents a pivotal moment for Kenya's maritime community, promising enhanced international mobility and access to essential benefits for seafarers.