CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -India has become the first country in the world to issue Biometric Seafarer Identity Document (BSID), capturing the facial biometric data of seafarers. The project has been launched by the Ministry of Shipping. The new card is in confirmation of the Convention No. 185 of the International Labour Organisation on BSID.

Detailed explanation-2: -The BSID introduces modern security features. It will have a biometric chip embedded in it. The security of the BSID card is ensured at various levels and through different methods. At the time of data capturing the live face is cross matched through passport photo using a face matching software.

Detailed explanation-3: -The International Labour Organization (ILO) has revised its 1958 Convention on Seafarers’ Identity Documents (also known as “seafarers’ IDs” or “SIDs"). The new Convention, the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No.

Detailed explanation-4: -Yes, Seafarers are required to hold the SID as part of their employment and the seafarers unions have made it clear that they prefer to have their passport as a separate document which makes no mention of their employment as a seafarer.