The Government of Brazil has clarified that the Brazilian General Immigration Coordination Office shall no longer impose penalties on seafarers whose seaman ™s books were issued by countries which have not ratified ILO  Conventions 108 or 185. The seafarers, however, must be able to present passports with valid visas when on shore leave.

You are therefore advised to apply for appropriate Brazilian visas for your departing seafarers in the meantime that the process for the ratification of the said Convention is being undertaken by concerned stakeholders.

Adopted: 10 February 2011