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British Seaman’s Discharge Book and British Seaman’s Card: Process of Obtaining and Differences

Maritime documents, such as the Polish Seaman’s Passport and the Dutch Seaman’s Passport, play an important role in the international maritime industry. These passports serve as both identification and allow seafarers to cross borders without the need for a visa in most countries. For example, the Polish and Dutch seaman’s passports are internationally recognized, making them convenient for those working in international waters. In contrast to these countries, in the United Kingdom, the functions of identification and work history are separated into two distinct documents: the British Seaman’s Discharge Book and the British Seaman’s Card.

1. British Seaman’s Discharge Book

What is it? The British Seaman’s Discharge Book is a document that records a seafarer’s employment history on ships, including dates and ports where the seafarer served, as well as other important career details. While the book contains personal data (photo, date of birth, and nationality), it is not considered an identification document and does not replace a passport. This document is required for work on ships under the British flag.

Who needs it?

  • British citizens working on ships or large yachts.
  • Citizens of other countries employed on ships registered in the United Kingdom.

How to obtain the Discharge Book? To obtain a Discharge Book, you must submit an application, which includes the following:

  • Completed application form
  • Passport copy
  • ENG1 medical certificate
  • STCW course certificate (basic safety training)
  • Competency certificate (if applicable)

Application process:

  • By post: Send the completed application form and all documents to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The application fee is £55, with expedited processing costing £105.
  • In person: Applications can be submitted in person at the nearest Marine Office. The in-person application fee is £105, and prior appointment booking is required.

Maritime Agency Contacts:

  • Phone: 029 2044 8844

2. British Seaman’s Card

What is it? The British Seaman’s Card (British Seaman’s Passport) is an internationally recognized document that allows British seafarers to disembark in foreign ports without the need for a visa. This document is required only for British citizens.

Who needs it?

  • British citizens working on international ships or frequently visiting foreign ports.

How to obtain the British Seaman’s Card? The application process is similar to obtaining the Discharge Book and includes:

  • Completed application form
  • Passport copy
  • ENG1 medical certificate

Application process:

  • By post: The cost for applying by post is £55, with expedited processing costing £105.
  • In person: You can also submit the application in person at the maritime agency. The cost for in-person submission is £105, and prior appointment booking is required.

Differences Between the British Seaman’s Passport and the Seaman’s Discharge Book:

  • The Seaman’s Discharge Book records the seafarer’s work history, is required for employment on British vessels, but is not an identification document.
  • The British Seaman’s Passport allows British citizens to cross foreign borders without a visa, but it can only be obtained by UK nationals.

This distinction is crucial for understanding the role and purpose of each document in the maritime industry.