Suitable system to identify seafarers sets out to sea: but even though it works a smooth passage is not guaranteed

摘要

The International Labour Organisation's (ILO) international binding convention for a biometric workers' identification system is not only a world first, it came into force last month. This should be a matter for some celebration, given that seafarers' and shipowners' organisations have welcomed it as a means to easing the movement of maritime workers around the world. But in today's suspicious and sometimes paranoid times, it is no surprise to note that this system is not being welcomed universally, notably by the United States. Washington is playing a wait-and-see game. It officially supports the system, but will not ratify it for the time being.