MLC 2006: The end of the CDC …

A CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) or 'Seamen’s Book' as it is also called, is a very important document for seafarers; it is an immediate recognition of a mariner. A passport holds importance on land but for those on the high seas a CDC holds more value. However, the life cycle of the CDC is probably nearing its end with the ratification of MLC 2006.

Article 5 of ILO Convention No. 22 of 1926, states that seafarers shall be given a document showing the period of service performed on each ship. In compliance with this article Flag States issue the Seamen Book or CDC as an Identification document to seafarers. A Seafarers Identity Document (C-185) issued by the Flag State slowly became accepted as the main identity for mariners globally.  This eased the cumbersome old method of seafarers carrying several pieces of discharge certificates. The CDC, as a single document, also provides objective service information for the next employer. It is also helpful as evidence of sea-service while going for higher examination/ certification. CDC’s were never intended for use as a travel document. A passport still remains the only legitimate travel document. This should be substantiated by a Discharge Book while traveling to and from ships across other countries.

The ratification of MLC 2006 is ushering in several changes to the maritime community at large. The MLC-2006 references the Continuous Discharge Certificate in A-2.1.e. It states that a CDC could be issued by the Flag State of the seafarer. Germany, in its interpretation, will now stop issuing seaman's books, as indicated by the German Maritime Authority (BSH). The other Flag States may follow lead but there is still no clear guideline from IMO on this.

International law does not require seafarers to have a seaman's book. Mariners, as any citizen of a country, can travel to other countries using their passports and visas. In the past there were concessions operating in several countries that allowed seafarers to arrive, join and leave ships with minimum formalities and a seaman's book often did the job. Flag administrations certifying mariners require them to provide evidence of their sea experience when seeking re-validation of certificates or new certificates. That can be easily done by a paper record from each ship. The CDC merely consolidates it. Sadly over the years, many flag states, especially the big open registries, have seen seaman's books as a revenue source. Thus many of them have requirements in national law that requires all seafarers on their ships to have national CDCs.

Today with electronic records readily available for instant verification the requirement of the CDC is indeed becoming more a hindrance than a requirement which serves any useful purpose. Germany has shown the way; perhaps a bit early as the rest of the world has to catch up to this. There are some countries which recognize mariners only based on their possessing a CDC. German seafarers and those who follow Germany in this may find it difficult. It will have to be an international decision with universal applicability if this is to be the future.

I still have my CDC and am nostalgic about it considering the lengths I had to go to acquire one from the Indian Authorities. Its future probably lies in a maritime museum somewhere!