The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has resumed issuing Seafarer Identity Documents (SIDs) after nearly a decade, marking a significant shift for Maldivians seeking employment in the maritime sector. According to the ministry, 200 seafarers have received the document since issuance began on 24 June 2024.
The SID is required under the International Labour Organization’s Maritime Labour Convention and is recognised by both the International Maritime Organization and the ILO. Its absence had long restricted Maldivians from working aboard international liner vessels, with some countries refusing entry to seafarers without the credential. In some cases, this resulted in deportations or financial penalties. By late 2023, local recruitment companies had stopped offering overseas placements for Maldivian workers, further weakening the sector.
In a publication released this week, the ministry said the resumption of SID issuance closes a regulatory gap that has hindered the industry for years. Officials expect the measure to improve access to international employment and restore opportunities that had been unavailable to Maldivian crews.
The ministry has also introduced Certificates of Competency (CoC) aimed at broadening professional pathways for those working on cargo vessels in the Near Coastal Area. Applicants who complete Certificate III in Marine Operations or Certificate III in Marine Engineering may obtain a CoC after passing an oral examination. Over the past two years, fourteen Deck CoC certificates have been issued, enabling holders to qualify for officer-level positions on vessels serving coastal routes.
The ministry noted that the combined reforms address issues that had created long-standing barriers for maritime workers. With SID issuance underway and new competency certifications available, officials say conditions have improved for those seeking to re-enter regional and international maritime markets.
