With the promulgation of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarer's Biometric Identity Document) Rules, 2016, the BSID project was rolled out in India on 05th April, 2019.

The Seafarer's Identity Document is issued to seafarers in possession of a valid Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and Passport issued by the Government of India. Any Indian national seafarer with a valid CDC issued by the Government of India is eligible for issuance of a Seafarer's Identity Document.

The BSID Document is a smart card-based identity card containing an embedded biometric chip and follows International Labour Convention No. 185. During data capturing, the live face is cross-matched with the passport photo using a facial identification and matching software.

1. Launched in the year : 2019
2. Total BSIDs issued as on date : Around 4 Lacs
3. Software status : Facial biometric capturing and Public Key Infrastructure developed
4. Official website for BSID : www.dgshippingbsid.in

Steps for Submission of Online BSID Application :

1. Before proceeding, you must read the general instructions and collect the required documents.
2. Login to the SID portal with your INDOS number and password.
3. Click on the link "Apply for SID".
4. Check the personal details in the form and click Continue.
5. Fill the address details and click Continue.
6. Fill other details and click Continue.
7. Make payment through the e-payment portal.
8. Submit the application.
9. Click on "Schedule Appointment" on the screen to schedule an appointment.
10. Select the collection centre along with the date and time from the slots available.
11. Your application will be transmitted online to the verification officer.
12. Within 10 days of submission, you will receive a notification on the verification result via e-mail.
13. The fee once paid is non-refundable. Your appointment is confirmed only after fee payment.
14. You can reschedule your confirmed appointment up to two more times (total three including the first). Rescheduling more than twice requires a new payment.
15. Report to the collection centre on the appointed date and time.
16. Bring the Print Report/Acknowledgment Report, original passport, original CDC, and receipt of payment for verification.
17. Data capturing personnel will examine your documents, return them, and capture your biometric data (photograph).
18. The Seafarer's Identity Document will be issued and printed.
19. It will be dispatched via Speed Post within two working days.

Issuing Authorities :

The Shipping Master, Government Shipping Offices at Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai are the designated authorities for issuance of BSID.

Designated 09 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