Shipping Arabia, October 15, 2026 – The Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority (ISMA) is preparing to launch an electronic seafarers’ identity system (SID), introducing digital procedures for issuing, renewing and verifying identity cards for maritime personnel.
The initiative, directed and overseen by Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Wahab Salman Al-Hasani, involves installing electronic gates for the SID system in coordination with the Directorate of Residency and Passports.
The development aims to simplify administrative procedures for seafarers and improve the efficiency of identity documentation services in line with maritime operational requirements.
Electronic Seafarers’ Identity System to Streamline Procedures
The planned electronic seafarers’ identity system will enable authorities to issue and renew seafarers’ identity cards while verifying their information electronically. The initiative forms part of efforts to facilitate administrative services for maritime personnel operating in Iraq.
ISMA Director General Ali Abdul Latif Al-Tamimi emphasized the importance of the new system in making seafarer documentation procedures more efficient and streamlined.
According to Al-Tamimi, the electronic SID system will help simplify the processing of seafarers’ applications while supporting the requirements of maritime operations.
Coordination with the Directorate of Residency and Passports will form part of the system’s introduction, particularly regarding the electronic verification of seafarers’ identity information.
Iraq and India Discuss Maritime Cooperation
The announcement came during a meeting between Al-Tamimi and India’s Ambassador to Iraq, Soumen Bagchi, who visited the authority accompanied by an official delegation.
Representatives of Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) also attended the discussions, which focused on strengthening maritime cooperation between Iraq and India.
The meeting addressed several areas of mutual interest, particularly the development and training of maritime personnel. Both sides also discussed facilitating administrative procedures for foreign seafarers arriving in Iraq, with particular attention to Indian crew members.
These discussions accompanied Iraq’s preparations to modernize its seafarer identification procedures through the electronic SID system.
Indian Ambassador Praises Assistance to Seafarers
During the meeting, Ambassador Bagchi expressed his appreciation for the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority’s support for an Indian crew whose vessel had been involved in an incident.
The ambassador praised the authority’s efforts to rescue the crew members and manage the incident, acknowledging the assistance provided to the affected Indian seafarers.
The discussions highlighted maritime personnel development, administrative facilitation and cooperation in assisting seafarers as key areas of engagement between the two countries.
Meanwhile, the planned electronic seafarers’ identity system is expected to improve the handling of seafarer documentation and support more efficient administrative services for maritime personnel in Iraq.
Source: Iraqi Ministry of Transport
