Most people believe you need a passport and visa to travel abroad. However, there is one document that functions like a passport and allows certain people to bypass visa requirements. It’s called a Seaman Book. But not everyone can have it.
What Is A Seaman Book?
A Seaman Book is an official document. It is specifically issued to people working in the maritime industry. This includes employees in the Merchant Navy, Cruise Line workers, and fishermen. For these professionals, the Seaman Book is their key to international travel. It allows them to board ships and cross borders without needing a traditional passport or visa.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the Passport Seva portal will be offline for five days, beginning Thursday, August 29, due to technical maintenance. During this period, users will be unable to schedule new appointments, and any pre-booked appointments will be rescheduled.
Passport At Sea
Think of it as a passport for those who work at sea. It contains essential personal information, much like a passport. This includes the holder’s name, date of birth, nationality, and photograph. But it also contains job-specific details. For instance, it lists the seafarer’s educational qualifications, job title, and the ship they’re assigned to. It even records the duration of their journey. This document is critical for identifying workers on vessels that operate in international waters. It also helps with immigration checks at foreign ports.
Individuals employed in the Merchant Navy, Cruise Lines, or similar professions can use their Seaman Book at airports. However, it’s not enough on its own. These travellers must also present a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC). This certificate, also known as the Seafarer Identity Document, is crucial during immigration checks. When used together, the Seaman Book and CDC allow seafarers to travel internationally for work without the need for a traditional passport or visa.
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This depends on the purpose of travel. When travelling for work, the Seaman Book, along with the CDC, acts as a crew transit visa. This allows personnel to transit through different countries without needing a separate visa. If a seafarer is joining their ship at a foreign port, these documents can replace the traditional visa process. However, if they are travelling for personal reasons, such as tourism or business, they will need a regular passport and visa for the destination country.
Cover Image Courtesy: Maritime licensing agency/website
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