SITA and IDsure have introduced a digital identity pilot for the maritime sector in collaboration with Columbia Shipmanagement, with the aim of replacing paper documents and manual verification with aviation-grade identity systems.
The project, currently focused on bridge officers, will digitalise professional certificates for ship crews, which will be stored in a digital Seafarer Handbook. The partners expect that moving away from paper certificates should allow tasks that previously took hours to be completed in minutes, reducing administrative pressure on operators and seafarers.
“Across every mode of transport, identity is still managed through paper-based and manual systems. By extending trusted digital identity to the maritime sector, we’re showing how the same secure technology that lets systems ‘speak’ to each other can also protect people’s personal data,” said Pedro Alves, Senior Vice President at SITA.
“It means crew identities can be checked instantly and safely wherever they travel, reducing delays, easing administrative burden for operators, and helping crews move faster between vessels and ports.”
“What we’re building with IDsure and our partners in the SmartSea ecosystem isn’t just innovation at sea, it’s a model for how digital identity can connect the world, safely and seamlessly, initially for seafarers, but extending to all ocean goers.”
Credentials are stored on mobile devices via a General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant application developed by IDsure. SITA uses its identity verification technology to authenticate national identification or passports. This ensures seafarers maintain control of their personal data while allowing Port State Control (PSC) authorities and operators to verify credentials during port calls.
Beyond the pilot, the Bahamas Maritime Authority has also partnered with IDsure to introduce digital seafarer record books and competency certificates. The initiative links digital certificate and crew management with PSC processes.
“With this pilot, we are helping maritime authorities, training institutes, and shipping operators take a practical step toward digital certification,” said Jesper Holmgren, Chief Executive Officer at IDsure.
“Working with SITA and Columbia Shipmanagement, we are replacing fragmented, paper-based processes with a more secure and verifiable digital approach built for global shipping.”
