Brazil - Withdrawal of the Restriction on the Transit of Filipino Seafarers through Brazilian Ports

Further to previous news articles regarding restrictions in Brazil on the movement of seafarers that do not possess a Seaman’s Book issued by a country that has ratified either ILO Convention No.108 or 185, the requirements have now been partly relaxed.

Santos correspondents Brazil P&I have advised that, according to reports, the General Co-ordination of the Immigration Affairs in Brasilia has revoked all restrictions on the movement of Filipino seafarers through Brazilian ports, even though the Philippines has ratified neither of the ILO Conventions.

The result of this change is that Filipino seafarers may now join and sign off vessels, or proceed ashore using their Seaman’s Book rather than a passport containing a Brazilian Visa. Although the concession is confined to Santos at the present time, other Brazilian ports are expected to follow in due course.

It is important to note only Filipino seafarers benefit from this change. The restrictions on the movement of seafarers who possess Seaman’s Books issued by countries that have not ratified the Conventions, and who do not possess a valid Brazilian Visa in their passport, remain in place for all other nationalities.

The countries that have ratified ILO Conventions 108 and 185 are, at the date of publication, as follows: 

Members requiring further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention department.