Passport
Validity rule of thumb, blank-page requirements, embassy contacts at major crew-change airports, and what to do if seized.
What it is
An ordinary national passport. Seafarers usually travel on passports plus a seaman's book plus (where required) a crew transit visa.
Who needs it
Every seafarer flying internationally for sign-on or sign-off. Some flag administrations also require a current passport scan in the SEA paperwork.
When it is checked
- Manning-agency intake.
- Airline check-in.
- Immigration at the joining country and at every transit airport.
- Master and port-state-control onboard.
Common mistakes
- Validity too close to contract end — most airlines and immigration desks want six months beyond the contract's last date.
- Not enough blank pages — many countries require at least two empty visa pages.
- Damaged or water-stained — even a slightly torn cover can be refused at check-in.
- Surrendering the original to anyone other than immigration or the Master onboard.
Validity
Country-issued (typically 5–10 years). Check airline + destination-country validity rules before flying.
If lost or expired
If lost while travelling, contact your country's nearest embassy or consulate. Carry a printed photocopy and a phone photo of the photo page and any current visa. Note: withholding a seafarer's passport by an employer or agent is unlawful in most jurisdictions — see /rights/passport-documents-held.
Printable checklist
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond end of contract.
- Two blank visa pages minimum.
- Photocopy of photo page + visa pages kept in hand luggage.
- Phone photos + cloud-stored PDF copies.
- Embassy / consulate number for the joining country saved in phone.
Related
Primary sources
Last verified