Sea Service Book replaced by Seafarer’s Identity Card
This summer, the Norwegian Maritime Authority will introduce a new Seafarer’s Identity Card. The card will replace the traditional Sea Service Book and will serve as an identity document for Norwegian seafarers working on Norwegian- and foreign-flagged vessels, as well as on mobile offshore units.
SEAFARER’S IDENTITY CARD: The new card is an identity document confirming that the holder is employed on board a vessel. It may be used for identification purposes, shore leave and work-related travel abroad.
“The Seafarer’s Identity Card continues the function of today’s Sea Service Book, but in a more modern and accessible format,” says project manager Line Myklebust.
- Read more about the Seafarer's Identity Card here.
Applications can be submitted from anywhere in the world
Norwegian seafarers may apply for a Seafarer’s Identity Card regardless of where they are located. Applications are submitted digitally via the Norwegian Maritime Authority’s online portal, “My Page – Seafarers”. Login is using BankID. Applicants must also verify their identity using a valid machine-readable passport or a Norwegian national identity card.
The card is produced as a physical plastic card and sent to the applicant’s registered address in the National Population Register (Folkeregisteret).
Recommended for work abroad
Seafarers are advised to carry the Seafarer’s Identity Card when working on vessels operating internationally and when travelling for work outside Norway. The card may be presented during inspections, for example in connection with port State control.
The Seafarer’s Identity Card is valid for five years from the date of issue. The fee for the card is NOK 700, while a duplicate costs NOK 350.
The Sea Service Book may still be used
Existing Sea Service Books remain valid and may continue to be used until expiry. Where less than six months remain before the expiry date, seafarers may choose to apply for a Seafarer’s Identity Card in advance.
In the event of loss or theft, the Seafarer’s Identity Card must be reported immediately via “My Page –Seafarers”. The card will then be registered as invalid and cannot be used, even if later recovered. A new card or duplicate may subsequently be applied for.
Seagoing service is registered as before
The introduction of the Seafarer’s Identity Card does not change the arrangements for recording seagoing service. Companies may continue to document seagoing service either by reporting via “My Page – Qualifications”, through the Norwegian Maritime Authority’s API solution, or by issuing their own sea service certificates.