Biometrics in SOA application: Seafarer's ID implementation

Border security is becoming increasingly important to nations and there is a conflicting requirement not to impede movement of individuals across borders. Seafarers who conduct their trade on merchant ships require a quick resolution of their identity in international territories so that they can perform their duties. The shipping industry is vital to the global economy as it employ approximately 1.2 million individuals and is responsible for 90% of global trade. The Seafarers Identity Document (SID) Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185) issued by the International Labour Organization (ILO) seeks to balance the security requirements of preventing illegal border crossings while also not unreasonably burdening seafarers. This paper discusses architectural design, implementation challenges and solutions and the future vision of SID in India's initiatives to provide strong identity to its seafarers.