Philippines Finally Ratifies Convention 185

The Republic of the Philippines has finally ratified Convention No. 185, nine years after it was first mooted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

This now means that Filipino seamen, who represent around 25% of the labour force on merchant and other shipping ranging from general cargo and bulk freight vessels to tugboats and passenger liners, will now carry biometric identification designed to eliminate fraud and identity theft and ensure fair.

Commenting on official International Labour Organization acknowledgement that the Republic of the Philippines has formally ratified ILO Convention 185 on seafarers’ identity documents, ITF seafarers section secretary Jon Whitlow said: “This is significant news. This move by the world’s largest crew supply country sends a strong signal to nations worldwide that seafarers’ rights to shore leave and safe transit must be respected. At the same time the intention of the convention to enhance security has also been carried forward.”

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World Maritime News Staff, January 25, 2012; Image: CrossworldMarine