Brazil - Immigration Fines in Recife and Suape

Club correspondents Williams Brother Ltda., Recife, have advised of vessels in Recife and Suape being fined by immigration authorities due to seafarers lacking the correct documentation.  

According to Brazilian law, if a seafarer presents a valid Seaman’s Book issued by country that has ratified either International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 108, Seafarers’ Identity Documents, 1958, or No. 185, Seafarers’ Identity Documents (Revised), 2003, a visa in their passport is not required. However, although Seaman’s Books issued by countries that have not ratified these Conventions have been accepted by the immigration authorities in Recife and Suape in the past, this is no longer the case.

In the absence of a valid visa, the immigration authorities in Recife and Suape are now imposing a fine of approximately US$550 for every seafarer holding a Seaman’s Book that has not been issued by a signatory to either of the Conventions, even if they remain on board while the vessel is in port. In the event of repeated breaches, the fine may be multiplied by up to five times.

The countries that have ratified ILO Conventions 108 and 185 are as follows: 

Members are therefore advised to obtain a Brazilian visa for any crewmember possessing a Seaman’s Book issued by a country which has not ratified either ILO Convention 108 or 185 if they are appointed to a vessel which is likely to call at either Recife or Suape.

Further information may be obtained from the Loss Prevention Department on request.