[pelaut] Talks OKs int'l maritime ID

[YBBN]

Subject: Talks OKs int’l maritime ID   NUMAST said the introduction of international seafarers' identity cards may soon take place as concerned agencies have already reached agreements on the matter.   The governing body of the United Nations agency, the International Labor Organization says it has taken a major step towards strengthening security measures on high seas and in word ports by adopting new biometric identity verification system for some 1.2 million seafarers worldwide.   The agreement will pave the way for the introduction of ID cards that turn the holders' fingerprints into a special barcode.    The Union has opposed last minute effort by the UK to delay the introduction of ID cards on technical grounds. General Secretary Bryan Orrel, who has been extensively involved in the lengthy negotiations on the scheme, said the ILO proposals were simplest and most practical solution to the demands for a global system to verify seafarer identity.   NUMAST hopes the agreement will also help  improve seafarers rights to shore leave, which have faced increasing restrictions since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US.   "We welcome agreement and hope it will now result in raid ratification by countries around the world," Orrel said. "The issue that remains is the position of the United States and we hope that widespread adoption of the convention will ease their fears.   ILO Director Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry said the measure brings the most modern technology to the uncharted waters of security on the high seas.   Numast will spearhead other maritime unions around the world in pressing governments to introduce the new measure through the implementation of the revised Seafarers Identity Documents Convention (No. 185). The new convention will be effective as soon as two countries have ratified it.   The International Transport Workers Federation is also calling for swift and widespread ratification of the convention and widespread ratification of the convention, which affirms seafarers' existing entitlements to the demands for global system to verify seafarer identity.   JALESVEVA YAYAMAHE SPONSORED LINKS Indonesia YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS  Visit your group "pelaut" on the web.    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.