Biometric Seafarer’s Identity Document (BSID)
- With the promulgation of Merchant Shipping (Seafarer’s Biometric Identity Document) Rules, 2016, the BSID project was rolled out in India on 05th April, 2019.
- Seafarers Identity Document is issued to the seafarers in possession with a valid Continuous Discharge Certificate and Passport issued by the Govt. of India. Any Indian National seafarer in possession of a valid Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) issued by Govt. of India is eligible for issuance of a Seafarer’s Identity Document.
- BSID Document is smart card based identity card having embedded Biometric chip and follows International Labour Convention No. 185. At the time of data capturing the live face is cross matched with passport photo using a facial identification and matching software.
- Launched in the year 2019. Around 4 Lacs BSIDs have been issued to seafarers as on date.
- As on date, the software for capturing the facial biometrics and the required public key infrastructure has been developed.
- Official website for BSID is: www.dgsgippingbsid.in
- Steps for submission of online BSID Application mentioned on BSID website are as stated below:
- Before proceeding, you must read the general instructions and collect the required documents.
- Login to the SID portal with your INDOS number and the password.
- Click on the link "Apply for SID".
- Check the personal details in the form and click continue.
- Fill the address details and click continue.
- Fill other details and click continue.
- Make payment through the e-payment portal.
- Submit the application.
- Click on "Schedule Appointment" on the screen to schedule an appointment.
- Select the collection centre along with the date and time from the slots available.
- Your application would be transmitted online to the verification officer, who will check the application.
- Within 10 days of submission of application, you will receive a notification on the verification result of the application through an e-mail.
- You are informed that the fee once paid is non-refundable. Your appointment would be treated as confirmed, only on payment of the fee.
- If you wish to reschedule your confirmed appointment (after payment of fee), the same can be done for a maximum of two more occasions (excluding the first appointment). If you reschedule your appointment for more than two occasions, then you will have to pay the fee again. In other words, fee once paid is valid only for three appointments.
- Please report to the collection centre at the appointed date and time.
- Please bring the printout of the Print Report/Acknowledgment Report, original passport, original CDC, and the copy receipt of payment for verification. Data capturing personnel, after examining your documents, would return the same and capture your biometric data i.e. photograph.
- Seafarers Identity Document would be issued and printed.
- The same shall be dispatched by Speed Post AD within two working days.
- The Shipping Master, Government Shipping Offices at Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai are the designated authority for issuance of BSID to seafarers.
- Following 09 Nos centres are designated as Data Capturing centres:
- Government Shipping Office, Mumbai
- Mercantile Marine Department, Noida
- Mercantile Marine Department, Goa
- Mercantile Marine Department, Kandla
- Government Shipping Office, Kolkata
- Government Shipping Office, Chennai
- Mercantile Marine Department, New Mangalore
- Mercantile Marine Department, Kochi
- Mercantile Marine Department, Vizag
