Seafarer’s Discharge Books, Official Log Books, GMDSS Log Books and List of Crew

The purpose of the Consultation was to ask for feedback on proposed changes to the legislation which prescribes requirements for the making and keeping of records. The main proposals were:

• Seafarer’s Discharge Book to be replaced by a new document called a Record of Sea Service
• Ships to stop sending Official Log Books, List of Crew and GMDSS Log Books back to the Isle of Man Ship Registry
• Ships to keep Official Log Books, List of Crew and GMDSS Log Books on board for a period of 3 years from the date of closure

We received six responses, none of which raised any objection to our proposed course of action. A number of minor technical points were raised which were considered when implementing the Regulations.

An Order to amend the Merchant Shipping (Seamen's Documents) Regulations 1987 is expected to be laid before Tynwald for approval at its March sitting.  The Order removes the provisions on Seafarer’s Discharge Books from the Merchant Shipping (Seamen’s Documents) Regulations 1987 and if approved by Tynwald the Department will stop issuing Seafarer’s Discharge Books and start issuing Seafarer’s Record of Sea Service on the 1 April when the Order comes into force.