IMSML Web Article 24/2026: MSN 02/2026 - Implementation of the Digital Seafarer Identity Document (SID) and the Validity of the Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB)

2026 started off with a bang on 8 January 2026 as the Director of Marine of the Malaysia Marine Department (MMD) kick started the digitisation initiative for Seafarer Identity by releasing Malaysian Shipping Notice (MSN) 02/2026. This commences the implementation of the digital SID.

In the meantime, MSN has given a grace period for this digital adoption. Prior to the completion of the transition, all currently valid physical SIDs shall remain acceptable until their respective expiry dates.

So what does the future hold for the Malaysian seafarers? First, all Malaysian SIDs will now be issued in the digital display format. Second, all Malaysian SRBs will be issued with a validity period of 5 years. Third, the Malaysia Seafarer Data (MySeaD) will be a companion app that displays seafarer identity documents issued by MMD. Four, the official portal for the Seafarer Documentation System, an official site of MMD, can now be used for three main things:

[1] Application and status inquiry;

Note, this includes …

[a] Seafarer registration;

[b] Certificate of Competency (COC);

[c] Watch Keeping Rating Certificate (WKR);

[d] Certificate of Recognition (COR);

[e] Safe Manning Document or Certificate;

[f] Approval of Medical Practitioner;

[g] Special Training Endorsement (STE);

[h] Oral Examination;

[i] Job Seeker (for local Seafarers only).

[2] Application of crew agreement;

Note, this includes purchase of Crew Agreement serial number, as well as PIN Application for Sign-On and Sign-Off.

[3] Verification of certificates.

Thank you for reading IMSML Web Article 24/2026

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Web Article 25/2026: MSN 03/2026 - Trial Phase - The Implementation of the Automatic Electronic Ship Reporting System under the Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems (STRAITREP) at the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) of the Malaysia Marine Department

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Tuesday,  16 June 2026

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my