BIMCO has launched the Seafarer’s Digital Certificates Charter, marking an important step in supporting the industry’s transition towards secure and interoperable digital certification solutions.

The charter has been developed to encourage the adoption and use of digital seafarer certificate solutions, provided they meet clearly defined criteria. By establishing a shared framework, BIMCO aims to promote trust, consistency and efficiency across the maritime sector as digitalisation efforts continue to accelerate.

BIMCO is delighted to welcome LEDGID, Maritime Passport and Crewdentials as signatories. This early engagement reflects the demand for practical, industry-led solutions that can support digital transformation while maintaining high standards of reliability and compliance.

How can you support the Charter?

The charter is a public document and is open for signature by a wide range of stakeholders, including solution providers, flag States and other interested organisations.

For solution providers, signing the charter also includes a commitment to participate in BIMCO’s interoperability pilot, currently scheduled for September. This pilot will play a key role in testing how different digital certificate solutions can operate seamlessly across systems, supporting the industry’s broader “go paperless” ambitions. Terms of reference for the pilot will be shared once finalised.

How to sign the charter

Organisations interested in signing the Seafarer’s Digital Certificates Charter are invited to submit the name and title of the signatory, along with their company web link and logo here.

By bringing together stakeholders across the maritime value chain, BIMCO aims to foster collaboration and accelerate the adoption of digital certification standards that work in practice for the global shipping industry.

Workshop for solution providers

BIMCO is hosting a workshop on the 17 September for solution providers. We welcome independent solution providers of digital seafarer certificate vault solutions that support, or intend to support, the IMO Compendium data model for electronic certificates.

Source: BIMCO