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What is a "Seaman's book", and can it really replace a passport for some or all immigration purposes? Even Wikipedia the all-knowing does not seem to know, although it contains many tantalizing references.

UK immigration enforcement:

Seaman deserters may not have a passport but rather hold a Seaman's Book, (a national identity document issued to professional seamen that contains a record of their rank and service career).

Visa policy of Hong Kong:

Possession of one of the following documents is sufficient to demonstrate [right to abode] ...

  1. Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book
Willeke
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lambshaanxy
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1 Answers1

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The 'Seaman's Book' provides a travel document that can be used instead of a passport in some cases. In order to be used as a passport, the situation must be appropriate (i.e., joining or leaving a vessel) and the book itself must contain all of the information that a passport would normally contain.

But the big selling point of having a Seaman's Book, comes when it is presented by a person who would ordinarily require a visa to enter the country. If the seaman can show that he is joining or leaving a vessel then the border official can waive the visa requirement.

Example: A Nigerian national with a Seaman's Book is joining a vessel currently anchored in Marseille and due to sail somewhere else. He can present his Nigerian passport along with his Seaman's Book and enter the zone without having to get a Schengen visa.

This will work in every country that is a signatory to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 108 (and in limited circumstances ILO No. 185). The linked site contains all the provisions and details.

So they are a great thing to have, but hard to get.

phoog
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Gayot Fow
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