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Last updated 16/10/2025

Bermudan ID Card

All seafarers must hold a valid Bermudan ID card. However, not all nationalities require this document to join a ship. For a detailed list of nationalities that do require the Bermudan ID card for embarkation, please click here.

The Bermudan ID Card serves several important purposes:

  1. Identification: It provides a formal and internationally recognised means of identification for seafarers working aboard Bermuda registered vessels. This ensures that crew members can be easily verified by port authorities, immigration officials, and onboard security teams.
  2. Compliance:The card helps meet the legal and regulatory requirements of various jurisdictions that the vessel may visit. Some ports require crew to present valid documentation issued by the flag state, and the Bermudan ID card satisfies this requirement.
  3. Port Clearance & Immigration: In some countries, presenting a Bermudan ID card can significantly streamline immigration procedures and minimise delays during port clearance. Additionally, it can support access to shore leave by serving as recognised identification for local authorities, helping ensure smoother transitions on and off the ship.

Civil Identity Card

A Civil Identity Card also known as a national ID card or citizen ID is a government issued document that serves as formal proof of identity and is used for accessing public services, supporting travel within visa-free zones, completing legal and financial transactions, and assisting law enforcement with identity verification.

For seafarers, from visa exempt South American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay, carrying a valid Civil Identity Card is a mandatory requirement when entering or transiting through Brazil. This document confirms your identity and nationality, supports immigration clearance, and may assist with shore leave access.

Please note that the Civil Identity Card must be applied for and obtained directly by you, as it is not issued by the company. Ensure your card is valid and up to date before travel to avoid delays or entry issues.

Indian CDC

The Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is a nationality dependent document required for all Indian nationals managed by CSSI (Carnival Support Services India).

It is a government issued certificate that confirms your status as a certified seafarer and is essential for processing Emigrate Clearance through DG Shipping. Without a valid CDC, your passport details cannot be updated in the DG Shipping profile, and your Emigrate Letter cannot be issued this may result in cancellation of your assignment.

The CDC must be approved before you depart to join a ship and can take up to 45 days to process, so early application is strongly advised.

Please note that the CDC must be applied for and obtained directly by you, as it is not issued by the company.

Indian SID Card

The Indian Seafarers Identity Document (SID) is a nationality dependent biometric ID card required for all Indian nationals managed by CSSI (Carnival Support Services India).

Issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), the SID serves as internationally recognised identification and supports immigration clearance, port access, and shore leave.

To apply, seafarers must log in to the SID portal using their INDOS number and password, verify personal and address details, upload required documents (passport and CDC), make the payment online, and schedule a biometric appointment at a designated collection center. Once verified, the SID is printed and dispatched by speed post.

The SID must be applied for and obtained directly by you it is not issued by the company or CSSI. Early application is strongly recommended to avoid delays or cancellation of your assignment.

National SID Card

For certain Global Talent Partners (GTPs) including Magsaysay, SINGA & CTI seafarers are required to hold a valid country-issued Seafarers Identity Document (SID). This document serves as formal identification for seafarers and supports immigration clearance, port access, and shore leave in various jurisdictions.

In addition to GTP-specific requirements, some countries visited by our ships such as Brazil require certain nationalities to carry a valid National SID card. This is a mandatory immigration requirement and must be obtained directly by you, the seafarer. The SID is not issued by the company and cannot be substituted with other forms of ID.

Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Consultant will inform you if you are required to hold a SID based on your nationality and itinerary. Please ensure you apply for and carry your National SID if advised, as failure to do so may result in delays or denial of entry at port.

Passports

A passport is an official document issued by a government that certifies your identity and nationality. It allows you to travel internationally and re-enter your home country. 

All Seafarers are expected to have sufficient validity on their passports to cover the duration of their Tour of Duty/Assignment, plus an additional six (6) months, and have at least one blank passport page. 

Seafarers are responsible for the cost of obtaining or renewing their passports. The company will not reimburse these costs unless specified in the Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA) or Terms & Conditions (T&Cs). 

Non UK Nationals

If you are a non-UK national, the process for applying for your passport may vary by country. Therefore, we advise you to visit your respective passport office or government website for the latest appointment and processing times. 

UK Nationals

Guidance on the 10-Year Passport Rule for UK Passport holders 

The 10-year passport rule is an important consideration for UK nationals planning to travel to European Union (EU) countries. This rule took effect post-Brexit to ensure that UK Passports meet the requirements for entry into most EU countries. The 10-year rule means that to enter EU countries, your UK passport must:  

  1. Have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entering an EU country.  
  1. Be valid for at least three months beyond the date of leaving the EU country.  

This rule applies to all 27 EU countries, excluding Ireland, which maintains its travel arrangements with the UK. It also extends to countries within the European Economic Area (EEA): Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.  

Checking Your Passport

To ensure your passport meets the 10-year rule, you must check the “date of issue” on your passport to ensure you remain compliant and avoid disruptions to your joining date.  

  1. If your passport was issued before September 2018, it may appear to be valid for longer than 10 years due to the previous practice of carrying over unused validity. However, for travel within the EU, your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years relative to the date of entry. 
  1. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will need to renew it before travelling to be compliant.   
  1. Seafarers are responsible for the cost of obtaining a new passport/renewal unless stipulated within the terms and conditions of their assignment/future assignment.  
  1. Renewing a passport in the UK typically takes up to three weeks, though it may take longer during busy periods. You can use a fast track service to expedite the process for an additional fee. Please note that if you choose this option, the cost will not be covered by CUK. 
  1. If you need to replace your passport, please ensure that you continue to carry your old copy with you once it is returned, especially if it contains any previous visas issued, such as a C1D or Schengen Visa. 

Please reach out to your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact if you have any questions or concerns.  

Seamans Discharge Books

All seafarers must possess a valid Seamans Discharge Book, and it must be issued by one of the following countries. 

  1. United Kingdom
  2. Bermuda
  3. Cayman Islands
  4. Gibraltar
  5. Isle of Man

Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Consultant will assist you in applying for the Bermudan Seamans Discharge Book, all other Seamans Discharge Books must be applied for by you. 

Additionally certain countries require seafarers to hold a valid Seafarers Identity Record Book (SIRB) or Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) issued by their respective Maritime Authority. If you are managed by one of the Global Talent Partners (GTP) below you will be required to be in possession of this document. Your respective Global Talent Partner (GTP) will process the application on your behalf; however, you will be required to submit supporting documents to assist in this process. 

  • CSSI
  • CTI
  • MAGSAYSAY
  • SINGA

Have Questions?

Click here for Compliance FAQs. If your question can’t be answered, contact your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact for assistance

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